"I think you're a silly girl!" he said brusquely. "You know as well as I do, that I must dress your father's arm every three hours. You'd like him to have the very best attention, my dear, wouldn't you? It isn't everyone I'd do as much for. I can tell you,—losing my dinner, and sleeping out. I'm sending Mayne here to Tirraputty to wire for a nurse."
"A nurse! Certainly not!" protested Nancy with energy. "I am his nurse."
"Now, my good Nancy, if you are going to be silly and obstructive, and to stand in the way of what is necessary for your father, I'd like to know what I'm to do with you?"
"But a nurse—an utter stranger!"
"Yes, a professional, clear-headed, experienced woman, who has no emotions—to counteract her work."
"Father won't have her!!" declared the girl triumphantly.
"He will, if you ask him," rejoined the doctor. "My dear child, I had no idea you were so set upon your own way."
"Then I am to realize that father is—in danger?" she demanded, with trembling lips.
"Nothing of the sort," he replied, now lying boldly and well. "You are to realize that you must be a sensible girl, and instead of fighting against remedies, and the doctor, to help him with your last breath."
Nancy gazed at him steadily, and after a moment's silence, she said: