'I dare say I look a great fool.'
'No, indeed you do not,' she answered; and then in kindly worded phrases she told him that, at least for the present, he must not attempt to correspond with Olive. 'Give me your word of honour that you will neither write nor speak to her for, let us say, six months, and I will promise to be your friend.'
'I will do anything you ask me to do, but will you in return promise to write and tell me how she is getting on, and if she is in any danger?'
'I think I can promise to do that; I will write and tell you how Olive is in a few days. Now we must say good-bye; and you will not forget your promise to me, as I shall not forget mine to you.'
When Alice went upstairs, Dr. Reed and Mrs. Barton were talking on the landing.
'And what do you think, doctor?' asked the anxious mother.
'It is impossible to say. She has evidently received a severe nervous shock, and this and the exposure to which she was subjected may develop into something serious. You will give her that Dover's powder to-night, and you will see that she has absolute quiet and rest. Have you got a reliable nurse?'
'Yes, the young ladies have a maid; I think Barnes can be trusted to carry out your orders, doctor.'
'Oh, mamma, I hope you will allow me to nurse my sister; I should not like to leave her in charge of a servant.'
'I am afraid you are not strong enough, dear.'