"Then you are the nurse! you are the nurse! I have been waiting for you, looking out for you, all the night, and now you have come; you have walked through the storm; God bless you for it!"
His voice was tremulous with thanks and joy; yet trouble must have clouded his mind, too, or he never could have believed in his words.
"I do not understand—" Mrs. Ryan was beginning, but he checked her impatiently:
"You are the nurse, are you not?" he cried, with sudden fear in his voice. "Oh don't—don't tell me I'm mistaken! Speak—yes, speak—for here we are at the house."
The pause that followed well-nigh drove him frantic. Then came the answer in a low, clear voice:
"You are not mistaken. I am waiting to be shown into the house."
XXXI
THE CHARITY OF SILENCE
Dr. Mowbray, coming first thing in the morning, declared that the patient had passed a better night than he had hoped for; but he told Colonel Bristo privately that he must count on nothing as yet, and be prepared for anything.