He slipped on his heavy coat, picked up hat and gloves and turned to leave the room. His motor was gently purring outside. Mrs. Yellam prided herself upon her manners. But she never moved to open the door, till the doctor had his hand upon it.
"Sir——?"
"Yes?"
She approached him. Her face remained calm, but he saw that her strong, capable hands were twitching. Her voice, too, quavered a little.
"She be very dear to me, so dear that I be ready to fight for her life harder than I would for my own. That's all."
The doctor, ashamed of too hasty conclusions, took both her hands in his.
"That is much," he said gravely; "and it may make all the difference. Good-night, Mrs. Yellam."
"Good-morning, sir," she admonished him.
Left alone, she sat down, palsied by despair.
And this was Christmas Day!