But as his skilful fingers put the fractured bone into position, a low, shuddering moan plainly told that the shock and pain of the setting had resulted in restoring suspended animation.
But the girl made no other sound, no resistance; she lay white and motionless while the splints were adjusted, and the bandages arranged, and when all was over she raised herself to a sitting posture, and looked curiously about her.
“Where am I?” she inquired of Allison, as another patient entered, and claimed the surgeon’s attention.
“In the office of Doctor Ashmore. I asked a policeman to bring you here, so that your injury could be attended to immediately,” Allison explained; “and,” she added, smiling encouragingly into the pale, pinched face before her, “I am sure the worst is over.”
“Perhaps you think so—but that is all you know about it,” returned the girl grimly.
“But I have always heard that after a broken bone is once set, there is very little discomfort experienced while the fracture is mending.”
“Oh, the arm will do well enough,” said the girl, glancing at the bandaged member indifferently; “I wasn’t thinking about that at all.”
“What were you thinking about?” inquired Allison, with surprise.
“Of the money I’ve lost and the scoldings and abuse I shall get because I sha’n’t be able to do any work for the next few weeks,” returned the patient, with an anxious frown. “But where’s my bundle?” she questioned, with a sudden start, and glancing around the room with a troubled air.