“Oh, I do not mind,” said the nurse, smiling. “That’s right. Neither do I, for we’ve made a splendid cure of it, nurse. It’s a perfect triumph for science. I shall have to read a paper upon her case at the Institution. Morning. I shall insist upon your going away soon.”
Sir Denton went out of the ward in a quick, energetic way, and Nurse Elisia crossed to Maria’s bed. “Did you want me?” she said gently.
“Yes, of course I did. It’s too bad for you to stop away talking to the doctor so long.”
“Sir Denton was giving me instructions partly,” said the nurse.
“Yes, partly,” said the woman maliciously. “Things go on at hospitals that wouldn’t be allowed in a gentleman’s house, I can tell you.”
The nurse’s eyes flashed, but her voice was unchanged as she said quietly:
“What did you wish me to do for you?”
“Oh, you needn’t turn it off. I’m not blind. I’ve seen and noticed a deal while I’ve been lying here. Isn’t it time I had my meat jelly?”
“No,” said the nurse quietly. “I should have brought it to you if it had been time.”
“I don’t know so much about that. Never mind. I shall soon be fit to go, and precious glad of it.”