"If any complication arises, Miss Krog, the worst may happen."
"Will he be paralysed?" asked Mrs. Dawes.
The doctor evaded the question; he merely said: "Quiet is all important."
Silence followed this utterance.
"Miss Krog, I cannot allow you to nurse your father. There ought to be two trained nurses."
Mary said nothing. Mrs. Dawes began to cry again. "This is a sad change of days."
The doctor took leave, and was escorted downstairs by Jörgen Thiis. When Jörgen returned, he asked softly: "Shall I go too—or can I be of any use?"
"Oh, do not leave us!" wailed Mrs. Dawes.
Jörgen looked at Mary, who said nothing; nor did she look up. She was weeping silently.
"You know, Miss Krog," said he respectfully, "that there is no one to whom I would so willingly be of service."