"It was a dangerous wound," he said, "and the patient was in a critical condition. He might recover, with good nursing, but the chances were much against him."
A spasm of pain crossed Louise Barnard's face, and I saw her clench her small hand in a fierce effort to maintain her self-control. Then she said, quite calmly:
"In his present condition, will he not require the constant attention of a surgeon?"
Dr. Hess bowed his head.
"Hemorrhage is likely to occur," he said. "He might need surgical aid at a moment's notice."
"Then, Dr. Hess, would you object to our calling for counsel—for an assistant?"
He elevated his eyebrows, more in surprise at the pronoun, I thought, than at the suggestion, or request.
"I think it might be well to have Dr. Baumbach in to-morrow," he replied.
"I was not thinking of Dr. Baumbach," she said. "I wish to send to New York for a doctor who is a relative of Mr. Bethel's. I know—it is what he would wish."