When she entered the house, she found that the sick woman was awake, and talking to the doctor in rational though feeble tones.
“So good of you, doctor, to find me such a kind nurse. I must have died last night, if some one had not come to help me. Giles is a dear good fellow, but he is clumsy when it comes to sickness, like most other men.”
Nell walked into the room at this moment, and her dark eyes had a wistful entreaty in them as she looked at the doctor. She was mutely begging that he would not betray her just yet, and everything that was chivalrous under that rugged exterior responded to the appeal.
“I am glad you like the nurse,” he said, with a nod of encouragement to Nell, who stood where the woman on the bed could not see her. “I was very worried myself when I found that Miss Lorimer could not come as she had promised, but Miss—Miss——Let me see, what did you say your name was?” And he jerked his head in Nell’s direction.
“Hamblyn—Eleanor Hamblyn,” she answered, in a low tone.
“Well, Miss Hamblyn has come at the right time to save your life, and if you will pay attention and do as she says, without doubt you will soon be well again,” Dr. Shaw said, talking now in a dictatorial fashion, which meant that he was to be obeyed to the smallest detail.
“If she tells me to lie in bed and not worry, I’ll do that, thankful enough,” Mrs. Munson replied, with a feeble laugh. Then she closed her eyes, and lay as if asleep, while the doctor talked to Nell.
“I shall not come over again for three days; Mrs. Munson won’t need it, and I’m badly wanted in other directions. Are you able to stay on and take care of her until she is better?” he asked, with a sharp look at Nell, whom he had beckoned to follow him to the other room, so that the sick woman might not be disturbed.
“Oh yes; I can stay if you think they won’t mind having me,” she faltered. “But I came without being asked, you know.”
“You came in the very nick of time, too. And as to your staying—well, it is Mrs. Munson and Giles Bailey who are in your debt, not you in theirs. Mrs. Munson will need careful nursing for the next few days, for she is very low down; but with care she’ll do very well. Are you used to sick folks, eh?” And again his sharp glance seemed as if it would read her thoughts.