"And he is poor, and ill?" she said, breathless.
"Very poor and very ill."
Her breath came quick. She seemed deeply agitated.
"And where is he living?"
"In No. — West Eleventh Street."
"Take me there at once."
I looked at her in amazement.
"Dr. Fenwick," she said, "you wonder at my excitement. I will explain it. This man, Philip Douglas, and I were once engaged to be married. The engagement was broken through my fault and my folly. I have regretted it many times. I have much to answer for. I fear that I wrecked his life, and it may be too late to atone. But I will try. Lead me to him."
I bowed gravely, and we set out.
Arrived at the lodging-house I thought it prudent to go up alone. I feared that excitement might be bad for my patient.