“That’s neither here nor there,” she said. “Your duty is your duty, and the doctor told me to keep the poor gentleman perfectly quiet.”
“I assure you I haven’t disturbed him in the least. Look in, and you will find he is still fast asleep.”
She pushed a sovereign into Mary’s hand as she spoke, and the glitter of gold seemed to alter the girl’s views and feelings. Her eyes and voice became charmingly sympathetic.
“Ah! I see,” she said; “you are going to be married to the poor gentleman. I’ll let you in as often as I can manage it, but I am afraid the nurse will be a tougher customer. However, I’ll do my best, miss.”
“Thank you,” answered the lady softly. “I should be very grateful, and you will not repent your kindness.”
This time Mary dropped a curtsey. She began to see that the other was a perfect lady.
“If you would tell me your room, miss, I would bring you down news of the poor gentleman every three hours or so. As I am to wait upon the nurse I shall know exactly how he is going on.”
“Thank you; I should be very glad. I am just below, the first room on the right as you go down.”
“And what name, if you please?”
There was a slight hesitation, and then the answer came loud and clear.