'Not more—as yet—than she can stand. There's an intense life in her—a spiritual life—that seems to keep her going.'
'Hester—dear Hester—watch over her!'
He put out a hand and grasped his cousin's.
'Yes, you may trust me.'
'Hester!—do you believe there'll ever be any hope for me?'
'It's unkind even to think of it yet,' she said gravely.
He drew himself up, recovering self-control.
'I know—I know. I hope I'm not quite a fool! And indeed it's better than I thought. She's not going to banish me altogether. When this new hospital's open—in another month or so—and she's settled there—she asks me to call upon her. She wants me to go into this man's treatment.' There was a touch of comedy in the words; but the emotion in his face was painful to see.
'Good!' said Hester, smiling.
When the guests were gone, Nelly came slowly back to Hester from the garden gate. Her hands were loosely clasped before her, her eyes on the ground. When she reached Hester she looked up and Hester saw that her eyes were full of tears.