"She is very weak," he said, in a low, impressive voice.
"That's natural."
"Keep her as quiet as possible. I shall return about ten. The nurse has my instructions. Great lack of vitality is indicated. Needless to say, there is no question of her nursing the child. You are a strong, sensible woman, Mrs. Yellam, and able to hide any anxiety you may feel from the patient."
The poor heart, just beginning to thaw, felt an icy hand closing about it.
"I know how to behave," she muttered.
"I must prepare you for a possible change—not for the better."
"Yes."
She spoke so calmly, that the doctor glanced at her keenly. Was she indifferent? It might be so. Relations, as he well knew, were often strained between elderly women of strong character and their sons' wives. He knew that Alfred had been reported missing. The monthly nurse might be regarded as a professional, like himself, willing and able to do her duty. More than this might be required. He reflected swiftly that he must make the situation even plainer to this somewhat hard-faced, hard-eyed woman.
"She might sink from anæmia, Mrs. Yellam."
"I understand, sir."