"You will tell me the truth about myself," she said, recovering composure. "I came to England to learn it. Pray don't deceive me. I am a doctor's wife you know, and can bear these shocks," she added, with a poor attempt at a smile. "Besides, I seem to know the fate that is in store for me: since Saturday night I have not felt that I should get well."
There was one moment of hesitation--of indecision. Caroline caught at it all too readily. "I see," she said, "there is no hope."
"I said nothing of the sort," he returned.
"But I am sure you think that there is not. Mr. Cray thought there might be an operation: the French doctor said no."
"I cannot tell you anything decisive now. I will come to you if you will tell me where."
She gave him Miss Davenal's address. "I am so sorry to trouble you; I did not think of that. A few days and I shall go back to France."
"No," replied the surgeon. "You must not think of going back. It would not do."
"But I came. And it has not hurt me."
"You must not return."
He spoke in a tone so quietly grave that Caroline did not like it. Could it be that he knew she would be unable to go back? What would become of Mark? what would become of her? But she could not take up his time longer then.