“Dr. Coke has given them to me,” said the physician.
“And you will bear them without delay?” said Gabriel, anxiously.
Dr. Harford’s face clouded.
“To leave you now may mean your death,” he replied. “I do not think I can leave you.”
“But I promised to guard them with my life, and they are urgent,” pleaded Gabriel. “Let me still serve.”
Hilary’s eyes grew dim, but she spoke in a low, steady voice.
“I will do all that you bid me, sir,” she said. “Surely good nursing may save him.”
“Well, my dear,” said the physician, “if anyone can keep him in life, I verily believe ’tis you; and if he urges me to go, I cannot say him nay.”
“You will see them both yourself,” said Gabriel.
“Ay, the despatches shall be placed in their own hands.”