"He was a good man, once," observed Tabitha, her eyes filling. "Oh, Doctor! The most beautiful, the sweetest; the most frank and loving boy——"
"And a brilliant theologian, you tell me. Well, well, Miss Cone, in my profession we learn charity. It is astounding what an evil influence some women can gain over men. And this one was not even beautiful."
"The hussy!"
"Quite so. Ah, Miss Cone, our sex must ever be on guard," and the doctor laughed a little. He was feeling triumphant over the recovery of his patient.
Yet in watching that recovery his face was often very grave. Natalie was sharp-eyed. "Is your patient getting well?" she asked.
"He improves hourly," was the answer, but the tone was not cheerful. He looked at Natalie anxiously.
"Physically, yes. His mind, Doctor?"
"His mental faculties are failing fast."
"How long has this been going on?" He was surprised at her equable tones. Evidently she had nerved herself for this disclosure.
"A brave woman," he thought.