Sick as he was, the old man did his best to comfort her, but she was still sitting on the floor, with head bowed in troubled thought, when Hanscom and Carmody hurried in. Her relief, made manifest by the instant movement with which she gave way to him, was almost childlike.
"Oh, Doctor, I'm glad to see you!" she cried out. "I was afraid your legal duties might keep you."
"Luckily my legal duties are over," he replied, quickly, "and I'm glad of it. I hope I never'll have another such case."
A brief examination convinced him that the sick man should be put to bed, and he suggested the Palace Hotel, which stood but a few doors away.
"He can't travel to-day," he added, knowing that Helen had planned to take the train.
Kauffman insisted on going. "I can walk," he said, firmly. "I feel a little dizzy, but I'll be all right in the coach."
Hanscom was at his side, supporting him. "You'd better wait a day," he said, gently; and Helen understood and sided with him.
Together they helped the sick man to the door and into the doctor's car, and in a few minutes Kauffman was stretched upon a good bed in a pleasant room. With a deep sigh of relief he laid his head upon the soft pillow.
"I am glad not to entrain to-day," he said. "To-morrow will be better for us all."
"Never mind about to-morrow," said Hanscom. "You rest as easy as you can."