Martha hesitated but a moment. "Yes, sir. I'm sure," she answered.
"Then I understand you to say that I am to call up Dr. Ballard. I am to tell him that Madam Crewe is in a critical condition. I am to ask him to come on at once. It is a matter of life or death. That is the message, Martha?"
"Yes, sir."
"You're positive? Life or death?"
"Life—an' death," repeated Martha distinctly.
"Then call up Central, and ask for Long Distance. When you get it, give me the wire. Shall you wait for the answer?"
"No, sir. I'm goin' straight to the little ol' lady's now. She needs me, an'—I know the doctor'll come."
CHAPTER XVII
The "little ol' lady's" need of her was as distinct in Martha's consciousness, as if it had come to her in the form of a verbal message, through ordinary physical channels.
Its insistent reiteration, since the night before, had drowned out the impression of Mrs. Peckett's mischievous tongue, even Katherine's poignant reproaches. Everything else fell into the background before that one soundless cry of appeal.