Seeing the doctor and Constance, she at once inferred that Sybil was the subject under discussion, and to insure the patient against being disturbed, beckoned the doctor to come outside.
As he stepped out into the hall, Constance, hoping to get a little information from him, came forward, and standing in the doorway, partially closed the door behind her.
"Doctor," said Mrs. Lamotte, anxiously, "do you see any change in Sybil?"
He shook his head gravely.
"There is no marked change, madam; but I see a possibility that she may return to consciousness within the next forty-eight hours, in which case I must warn you against letting her know or guess at the calamity that has befallen her."
The two women exchanged glances of relief.
"If she receives no shock until her mental balance is fully restored, her recovery may be hoped for; otherwise—"
"Otherwise, doctor?"
"Otherwise, if she retains her life, it will be at the cost of her reason."
"Oh!" moaned the mother, "death would be better than that."