She went up to Eugene, and laid a hand on his arm.
"Let me remain and nurse my dear friend Ida," she pleaded. "Do not refuse, I beg of you!"
"Let it be as the doctor says," answered Eugene.
But the physician shook his head decisively.
"This is a case requiring the most competent nurses. I am sorry to refuse you, Miss Deane, but in this instance I must do so."
Vivian controlled the anger that leaped into her heart.
"You certainly mean well," added the doctor, "but in such a case as this even her nearest relatives are not to be allowed in the sick-room."
Vivian was obliged to swallow her chagrin as best she could. If she had been allowed her way, the young wife who had come between her love and herself would never rise from her bed.
"When she is convalescing I will visit her," she said to herself.
As she had no excuse to remain longer in the house, she was obliged to take her departure along with the other guests.