"There are no physicians who can do that. Let me stay here, Di. Beg papa to let me stay here."
Diana hid her face upon the invalid's shoulder. Her tears choked her. To repress her grief was agony scarcely endurable. But she did hide all trace of anger and sorrow, and cheered the helpless traveller throughout the weariness of the journey.
* * * * *
Charlotte was lying on a sofa in her bedroom, with Mrs. Woolper in attendance upon her, when Dr. Jedd arrived. It was a quarter to six, and the low western sunshine flooded the room.
The physician came with Valentine, and did not ask to see Mr. Sheldon before going to his patient's room. He told the housemaid who admitted him to show the way to Miss Halliday's room.
"The nurse is there, I suppose?" he said to the girl.
"Yes, sir; leastways, Mrs. Woolper."
"That will do."
Mr. Sheldon heard the voice in the hall, and came out of the library as the doctor mounted the step of the stairs.
"Who is this? What is this?" he asked of Valentine Hawkehurst.