"Yes," said Mark. "I judged it best."
It was all that passed. Whatever Dr. Davenal may have felt, he could express neither doubt nor remonstrance then. His whole attention had to be concentrated on the work he was performing. Mark stood by and watched, saying nothing.
At length it was over; admirably performed, as all operations were performed, undertaken by Dr. Davenal. But Lady Oswald still lay without sense or motion; and they could not arouse her.
"You must have given her a great deal," observed Dr. Davenal, who was still occupied.
Which Mark Cray did not attempt to deny. "She required it. The fall of that stupid woman excited her terribly. The first lot made no impression on her: she did not seem to inhale it."
"But--good heavens? you could not have waited long enough to see. Mark Cray, this is a mistake, and an awful one."
Mark made no reply. Mark was doing all in his power to undo his work and arouse Lady Oswald. But he could not. Dr. Davenal touched his shoulder, and spoke upon a different subject.
"You told me you were sure of yourself."
Mark scarcely knew what he answered. Something to the effect that he always had been sure, until now: but his words were very indistinct.
"What incapacity came over you? What was its cause?"