Gladys took the candle, and herself showed the doctor to the outer door.
'Will he really recover, do you think?' she asked, when they were out of hearing.
'He may, but only with care. The lungs are much congested, and his reserve of strength is small. What relation is he to you, may I ask? Your grandfather?'
'No; my uncle?'
'And do you live here always?'
'Yes, this is my home,' Gladys answered, and she could scarcely forbear a smile at the expression on the young doctor's face.
'Indeed! and you are contented? You seem so,' he said, lingering at the door a moment longer than he need have done.
'Oh yes; I have a great deal to be thankful for,' she answered. 'You will come again to-morrow early, will you not?'
'Certainly. Good-morning. Take care of yourself. You do not look as if your reserve of strength were very great either.'
'Oh, I am very strong, I assure you,' Gladys answered, with a smile; and as she looked into his open, honest face, she could not help thinking what a pleasant face it was.