"You treat me like a spoiled child, Miss Walden. Amusing me, coaxing me; you'll be bringing me toys next."
"You're a strong man, now, Mr. Norval, that is why I'm going away. Soon you will not need me. The doctor told Mr. Law yesterday that surely you would see."
"Did he? Don't fool me, Miss Walden. I do not want to be eased up. Did he say that?"
"Yes, I heard him."
A growing excitement stirred Norval and that afternoon he met Law halfway across the room! Not even the little shoulder aided him. He stretched out his hand and said:
"Andy, here I am!"
For a moment Law reeled back. Of late he feared that Norval would defeat all their hopes by his indifference.
"You—you've done this?" he said to Donelle, who stood behind Norval, her trembling hands covering her quivering lips.
"No, he did it quite by himself, Mr. Law. He's been so brave," she managed to say, the tears in Law's eyes making her afraid that she might lose control over her own shaking nerves.
"Lord, Jim!" Law was gripping Norval's hand. "I feel as if—well, as if I'd seen a miracle."