"Well, you are going to the house of an old friend who knew you well before you were hurt. You must pay close heed to all she says just as you would to me. You must not say any rude, bad words, such as soldiers often use, but listen to every word she says. Perhaps you'll know her as soon as you see her. Now I've prepared you. I won't be far off."
"Don't leave me, Doctor. I jes' feels nachelly muxed up en mad when folks pester me 'bout what I kyant do."
"You must not get angry now, I can tell you. That would never do at all. I FORBID it."
"There, there now, Doctor, I won't, doggone me ef I will," Nichol protested anxiously.
Mr. Kemble met them at the door, and the captain recognized him instantly.
"Why, yere's that sensible ole feller what didn't want to ast no questions," he exclaimed.
"You are right, Captain Nichol, I have no questions to ask."
"Well, ef folks wuz all like you I'd have a comf't'ble time"
"Come with me, Captain," said the physician, leading the way into the parlor. Mr. Kemble silently ushered Mr. and Mrs. Nichol into the sitting-room on the opposite side of the hall and placed them in the care of his wife. He then went into the back parlor in which was Helen, now quiet as women so often are in emergencies. Through a slight opening between the sliding-door she looked, with tightly clasped hands and parted lips, at her lover. At first she was conscious of little else except the overwhelming truth that before her was one she had believed dead. Then again surged up with blinding force the old feeling which had possessed her when she saw him last—when he had impressed his farewell kiss upon her lips. Remembering the time for her to act was almost at hand, she became calm—more from the womanly instinct to help him than from the effort of her will.
Dr. Barnes said to Nichol, "Look around. Don't you think you have seen this room before? Take your time and try to remember."