But I knew that all had come right, although I saw from Adela's manner that she was not happy about it.
So things went on for a week, during which the colonel was slowly mending. I used to read him to sleep. Adela would sit by the fire, or by the bedside, and go and come while I was reading.
One afternoon, in the twilight, Harry entered. We greeted; and then, turning to the bed, I discovered that my friend was asleep. We drew towards the fire, and sat down. Adela had gone out of the room a few minutes before.
"He is such a manageable patient!" I said.
"Noble old fellow!" returned the doctor. "I wish he would like me, and then all would be well."
"He doesn't dislike you personally," I said.
"I hope not. I can understand his displeasure perfectly, and repugnance too. But I assure you, Mr. Smith, I did not lay myself out to gain her affections. I was caught myself before I knew. And I believe she liked me too before she knew."
"I fear their means will be very limited after this."
"For his sake I am very sorry to hear it; but for my own, I cannot help thinking it the luckiest thing that could have happened."
"I am not so sure of that. It might increase the difficulty."