CHAPTER XVII.
A DARKENED MIND.
As soon as Catherine King heard of Mary's illness, she hurried to the hospital in her great anxiety. She loved the girl with the intensity which characterised all her passions—loved her far more dearly than her own life and happiness—almost as much as she loved the "cause" itself.
Pale and trembling with fear for her darling, the usually cold, stern woman appeared before Dr. Duncan.
"Let me see her," she said, in a choking voice.
"Dear Mrs. King," he replied, "I think it will be better for her if you do not see her just yet. Sit down and I will tell you all about her. Pray do not alarm yourself."
"Is it dangerous?" she interrupted in the same tones, seemingly not having heard what he said.
"We cannot tell yet; she has received a severe shock. It may prove to be merely a passing attack, or it may be—"
"May be what?"