In a few minutes, a terribly long time to Helène, the nurse returned and whispered that her friend was resting in bed and that a cursory examination had revealed no serious injuries. The head physician would be in shortly and would make a more thorough examination. She could wait until then, Helène was told. The other lady was given the same information.
The strain of her pent-up feelings relieved by the nurse’s report, Helène broke into sobs. She thanked God in her heart that her dear Margaret would not die as she had feared.
“Pardon me, miss,” came a sympathetic voice, “can I be of any help to you?”
Helène looked up and recognized the dignified lady in whose carriage she had been driven to the hospital.
“I am glad to learn that your friend is not seriously hurt. I am Mrs. Van Dusen. It was my carriage that was the cause of the unfortunate accident to your friend. Won’t you let me help you?”
“Thank you, Mrs. Van Dusen, but I am scarcely able to think. If my friend, Miss Fisher, is not very badly injured I should like to take her home. It was my fault....”
Helène broke down, the tears choking her voice.
The unusual beauty, the sweet, refined voice and manner of the young woman impressed the lady. She sat down near Helène and said in kindly tones:
“You must not distress yourself, my dear. Your friend will be well taken care of here. I will see to that. I am deeply grieved the accident occurred. I saw you and your friend step right in front of the horses and called out to the coachman; but it was too late. I want to do all I can to help Miss Fisher. Has she any relatives or friends who ought to be notified? My son is outside and he will gladly take any message.”
“She has no friend other than myself. For her sake I shall be glad to accept any assistance you can give me. It was in saving me that she got hurt herself. Oh, my poor lovely Margaret....”