“You think there is help for her, then?” the grandfather asked.
“I am sure of it. If we can have her for two years, there is almost no doubt of absolute success.”
“Why didn’t some of those other fellers say that?” queried Mr. Wheatley. “They told me there was no use in doing anything except to keep her comfortable.”
“It makes no difference to me what others have said,” replied the Doctor. “I know what I know, and I think two years in bed will work wonders.”
“Oh, in bed! And if she can’t go?”
“She will be a helpless cripple for the rest of her life—which will be short,” answered the physician quietly.
“You think that?” asked the man.
“I know it,” replied the Doctor.
“Well, I admit that you act like a man who knows a good deal more than most men. I believe that you are speaking truth; still, I don’t see how we can have her go. I have spent about all my savings now, and—”
“Oh, Sereno!” his wife burst out. “Don’t think of that! We can get along any way, if only she can be made to walk!”