I snatched somebody’s slicker from the rack near the main door and turned into the corridor leading to the south wing, intending to slip out the south door and along the path to Corole’s cottage, it being much closer that way.
In the corridor I met Dr. Balman.
“I have heard,” I said briefly. “I am going to see Corole.”
He nodded.
“At the request of the Board of Directors I shall take Dr. Letheny’s place—temporarily at least. I have just called a meeting of the whole nursing staff, Miss Keate. You were with Mr. O’Leary so I did not disturb you. I told them of the situation, gave orders that this thing must not get to the ears of the patients, suspended training classes for a few days, and doubled the number of girls on duty in the various wings and wards until we get a working routine established. I find that the girls are nervous over being alone.” He spoke very calmly, but his extreme pallor caught my eye.
“You had better get some rest, Dr. Balman. And have that bruise on your cheek attended to—it looks bad.”
He passed his hand over the bruise.
“I bumped it while running through the apple orchard last night. I wasted no time after I talked to Miss Day over the telephone.”
“Oh—then you came by the side road?”
“Yes. Thought I’d save time by not going around by the main entrance. I didn’t expect this.” He fingered the spot cautiously.