“What I want you to tell me is, whether the man is likely to live or to die.” And then he added, with an oath, “If I thought he might live, I would not lift my finger to bring a woman like her, into the power of a man like him. Certainly I would not do so against her will. But if he is to die—that is another thing.”
Doctor Fleming was not the kind of man to be taken altogether into his confidence as to the motive he had in desiring to bring these two together, and he said no more.
“I will see the man to-day,” said the doctor, gravely.
As one door opened to let Mr Rainy out, another opened to admit Allison and Marjorie. It was Marjorie who spoke first.
“My father said I was to come and see you, doctor. I am little Marjorie Hume. You’ll mind on me, I think.”
Doctor Fleming laughed, and lifting the little creature in his arms, kissed her, “cheek and chin.”
“My little darling! And are you quite well and strong?”
“Oh! yes. I’m quite well and strong now—just like other bairns. I’m not very big yet,” added she, as he set her down again. “But I am well. Allie will tell you.”
Allison, who had remained near the door, came forward smiling.
“She is much better indeed,” said she.