The man’s face grew deeply livid with rage and disappointment. He fairly struggled to hold himself in check, and Eva started quickly toward the door, eager to escape.
At that he started forward, breathing hoarsely and muttering vengefully:
“Consider yourself discharged from the hospital, Miss Somerville, on account of being out so late with a young man to-night.”
She bowed coldly without replying, and darted from the room, almost falling over Ada Winton in her headlong flight.
“Where away so fast, my dear, that you bolt out of the doctor’s office like a shot fired from a cannon?” cried that young lady, catching her around the waist.
“Oh, Ada, come to my room and I will tell you all!” Eva sobbed in hysterical excitement.
“The villain! To think of insulting you again, after your first decided repulse!” exclaimed the young lady indignantly, when she had heard the piteous story, and she added warmly:
“Do not worry yourself, dear, because you are discharged. I have an aunt living in Weston who will receive you as a guest until you are married to your handsome doctor.”
“But, oh, Ada, I have no money for anything—neither to pay my board nor to buy a wedding gown,” sobbed the hapless girl.
“Aunt Susan will not charge you any board, my little dear, and I will lend you my best white gown for your wedding.”