“No, Billy. You may as well know now. My heart—I didn’t tell you. I’m afraid, dear, this has been the last crash for me. Perhaps—perhaps it is—better that way. Perhaps it was—meant to be—that way—from the first.”
“Jennie! Don’t—don’t give up this way. It can’t be true. Just one little crash couldn’t⸺ You must try—try⸺”
“I won’t give up, Billy. I’ll try—as hard—as I can. But oh, Billy dear—I’m so—tired!”
The screen door slammed lightly. Weyman came down the hallway.
Billy met him outside Jennie’s door.
“How is she?” the surgeon asked. “Her heart, you know⸺”
“I didn’t know!” groaned Billy. “If I only had!”
“I’ll see what’s to do,” said Weyman, and left Billy in the hall.
Out on the veranda, Cobb fumbled for a cigarette and matches. The surgeon found him there a moment later, smoking furiously.
“Not so good,” said Weyman gravely. “It isn’t so much her heart as a general breaking down. Heart makes it doubly bad, of course. Looks like pernicious⸺ But never mind. Make yourself useful, Bill. Step over to Cahill’s quarters and see if Mrs. Cahill can come in for the night. If she’s not there get somebody else. Pull yourself together, man! And hurry up!”