"The application is not clear," said Mrs. Friedland.
"No," said the doctor, stretching his legs and puffing at his cigarette; "but when you speak of Laura, and tell me she is writing to Bannisdale, I find a comfort in Sir John Pringle."
"It would be more to the purpose if Laura did!" exclaimed Mrs. Friedland.
The doctor shook his head, and fell into a reverie. Presently he asked:
"You think Mrs. Fountain is really worse?"
"Laura is sure of it. And the difficulty is, what is she to do? If she goes to Bannisdale, she exiles Mr. Helbeck. Yet, if his sister is really in danger, Mr. Helbeck naturally will desire to be at home."
"And they can't meet?"
"Under the same roof—and the old conditions? Heaven forbid!" said Mrs.
Friedland.
"Risk it!" said the doctor, violently slapping his fist on the little garden table that held his box of cigarettes.
"John!"