“I had to find out the truth,” he muttered.
“Look here, man,” I cried, shaking him by the arm, “pull yourself together. Don’t let your wife see that expression on your face when she comes to. This is not a simple faint; your wife’s heart is affected, and if you excite her still further you may kill her.”
That roused him, and he now joined to the best of his ability in my endeavors to restore her. She soon opened her eyes, and glanced timidly at her husband. He managed to smile affectionately at her, which seemed to reassure her.
“How stupid of me to faint!” she exclaimed, “but it was so very hot.”
“Yes, the heat is dreadful; you really should not overtax yourself during this weather,” said her husband, gently, laying his hand on hers. She beamed at him, while a lovely pink overspread her pale face.
“As a doctor, may I urge Mrs. Atkins to go to bed immediately?” I said.
“Oh, no, no,” she cried petulantly; “I’m all right.” But as she tried to stand up she staggered helplessly.
“I insist on your going to bed, Lulu; I shall carry you up-stairs at once.” And the big man picked her up without more ado. She smiled at me over his shoulder, dimpling like a pleased child.
“You see, Doctor, what a tyrant he is,” she cried, waving her small hand as she disappeared.