XXII
That is what they did; but the first who came, and the second, brought fresh courage; for the Baron—"would most likely be all right again, before the day was over"; our child was "virtually well"; and from next door-"better!" was the rapturous news. The third physician, too, was pleased with Fontenette's case, and we began at once to send the night- watchers to their rest by turns.
But there the gladness ended. At Mrs. Fontenette's bedside he asked no questions. In the parlor he said to us:
"Well, … you've done your best; … I've done mine; … and it's of no use."
"Oh, Doctor!" exclaimed Mrs. Smith.
"Why, didn't you know it?" He jerked his thumb toward the sick-room. "She knows it. She told me she knew it, with her first glance."
He pondered. "I wish she were not so near him. If she were only in here —you see?"
Yes, we saw; the two patients would then be, on their either hand, one whole room apart, as if in two squares of a checkerboard that touch only at one corner.
"Well," he said, "we must move her at once. I'll show you how; I'll stay and help you."
It seemed more as though we helped him—a very little—as we first moved her and then took the light bedstead apart, set it up again in the parlor, and laid her in it, all without a noticeable sound, and with only great comfort of mind to her—for she knew why we did it. Then I made all haste to my own house again and had the relief to see, as Senda came toward me from her husband's room, that he had told her nothing. "Vell?" she eagerly asked.