‘But he will not let us even look at the dear child. Dr Fellows, I really think you are too particular. Surely her parents have the right to see her.’
‘Certainly, my dear madam, if you insist upon it; but I think Mr Courtney will uphold my decision. I have not been able to determine if this fever which is decimating your plantation is contagious or not. I rather fancy it is epidemic, but it is impossible to say, because it is of no known character. It is surely more prudent, however, to keep on the right side. If Maraquita were in the slightest danger—if she were even seriously ill, I should be the first to entreat you to see her, but as it is, your presence would only do her harm. She is weak and exhausted, and everything depends on her gaining strength from sleep. Would you be so selfish as to excite and throw her back again, by disturbing her, or run the risk of contracting the disease yourself?’
‘Certainly not,’ interrupted Mr Courtney decisively. ‘You are right, Fellows, as you always are—’
(‘Don’t say that,’ interpolated the Doctor, in a pained voice.)
‘——and I forbid my wife going near the room where Maraquita lies. I can trust her to you, Fellows—implicitly, and with the most perfect confidence. I know you will do your very best for my dear child, and treat her as if she were your own.’
‘Indeed—indeed I will, Courtney! If a sense of all I owe to you—’
‘Hush! I will not hear you mention it. If such were ever the case, you have repaid it a thousand fold. And here I give you the best proof I could, of my friendship and affection. I leave with you my dearest possession—my only child. Fellows, my dear old chum, I know there is no need for me to recommend her to your care. You can remember how long it was before she came to us, how gladly I received the gift, and how precious it has been to me ever since. My very life is bound up in my little Quita. You will guard it—’
‘With my own,’ interrupted the Doctor solemnly. ‘I would lay down my life to-morrow, Courtney, to save that of any one who is dear to you.’
‘I believe it, my dear fellow, and, thank God, there is no necessity for such a sacrifice. You can assure us that Maraquita is in no danger.’
‘On my word of honour, she is in no danger whatever, and in a few days she will be quite well again. All she needs is rest and quiet, and if you will trust her to Liz and me, we will see that she gets it.’