"It must be terrible to know that one's sight can never be restored."
"I don't expect it. But I shall have a fair measure of sight. Dr. Hegelmann promises it."
"Still, it's best not to raise one's hopes too high. Doctors have to be optimistic as part of their trade. I remember one very sad case where——" Olive stopped herself abruptly as though her tongue had run away with her. "Pardon me—I was forgetting."
"I know," affirmed Elaine happily.
"You know what?"
"That I shall have a fair measure of sight. The doctor tells me recovery depends largely on the mental condition. I was worrying myself up till a few days ago, but now I'm supremely happy. So I shall recover—I've something to live for, you see!" Elaine reached for the vase by her side and raised a spray of white lilac to breathe in its fragrance.
The happiness so evident on Elaine's lips stirred Olive uneasily.
"Then you've had good news from outside? I'm very glad to hear it," she said.
"Good news? Why, yes, thanks to you! I want first to thank you for your generosity. I was worrying so until I heard the news from John."
"From whom?"