"Certainly," as I thought what a merciful dispensation it was that a new love had been implanted where an old love was rudely snatched away.
"And Dr. Armstrong? He journeyed down from Dublin with us."
"Of course. He intends, I believe, to see Alice professionally."
"Yes. He is to arrange for a consultation with our doctor."
"Very good. We shall all go together."
So we did. And I had the supreme consolation to see these two afflicted ones mingling their tears in the chalice that was held to them to drink.
"One little word, Father Dan," said Alice, as I departed. "I don't mind Mrs. Ormsby. There is to be no operation, you promised me."
"No, my dear child, don't think of that. You will be treated with the greatest delicacy and tenderness."
The result of the investigation made next day was a curious one. It was quite true that her poor body was one huge sore; even the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet were not exempt. But Dr. Armstrong made light of this.
"I cannot promise to make her as handsome as I am told she was," he said; "but I can restore her health by powerful tonics and good food. That's no trouble. I've seen worse cases at least partially cured. But the poor girl is paralyzed from the hips down, and that is beyond human skill."