"Thank you"; and she closed her eyes tranquilly and, after a little, fell into a doze.
When the Doctor came out of the sick-room he had done what the other physicians had not done and could not do. He had fathomed the case, and, understanding the cause, he was able to prescribe the cure.
"With the help of God we will get your little girl well," he said to Miss Abby.
"I begin to hope, and I had begun to despair," she said. "It was good of you to come."
"I am glad I came, and I will come whenever you want me, Abby," replied the old Doctor, simply.
From this time, as he promised, so he performed. He took off his coat, and using the means which the city specialist had suggested, he studied his patient's case and applied all his powers to the struggle.
The great city doctor recorded the case among his cures; but in his treatment he did not reckon the sleepless hours that that country doctor had sat by the patient's bedside, the unremitting struggle he had made, holding Death at bay, inspiring hope, and holding desperately every inch gained.
When the Doctor saw Keith he held out his hand to him. "I am glad you sent for me."
"How is she, Doctor? Will she get well?"
"I trust so. She has been under some strain. It is almost as if she had had a shock."