“Your mother was discharged from the hospital, and because of her condition was sent to the retreat. This institution is a good one, and here she has remained ever since, very well cared for.
“And to this place the wise Dunbar tracked her down, saw and identified her, then telegraphed for me at once. Of course, I did not let the grass grow under my feet, but came to New Orleans on the first train after receiving Dunbar’s message. I came straight to the retreat; fortunately I am so well known here that no one in control interfered with my actions. The case was placed in my hands. I have worked over it faithfully, and now—now—Violet, comes the most important part. Yesterday I performed the second operation, assisted by one of the physicians from the Charity Hospital of which I have spoken—a clever fellow he is, too. The result of that operation will be made known to us when—Rosamond Arleigh awakes. She has been sleeping ever since the operation was performed. I thought best to tell you the whole story now, my child, and place the matter before you in its true light. When she opens her eyes again, she will either be as well as ever, or—she will be insane for the rest of her life.”
Violet uttered a groan of despair.
“Try and be brave, my child,” he whispered. “Violet—Violet, you are like my own child to me, for, oh! my dear, I love her, I have loved your mother for years, and if she recovers I shall ask her to become my wife. If she never recovers, I will devote the rest of my life to her care and protection.”
Violet lifted the doctor’s hand to her lips.
“God bless you, Doctor Danton!” she said, softly; “you are a true friend. How can I be helpless and alone with two such friends as you and Mr. Dunbar?”
“And Leonard Yorke!” interposed the doctor, shyly.
Violet’s sweet face flushed.
“Leonard is very jealous and unreasonable at times,” she said; “but one can not turn from a person because of his faults. We all have our faults, and I do love him, Doctor Danton, I do, indeed!”
The doctor smiled serenely.