"I will go and sit by her now for an hour or two," she answered. "I have had a long sleep and am refreshed. Won't you lie down, Dr. Halifax?—I will call you if Violet requires anything."
I told her that I would go into the outer room and lie on the sofa. I was by habit a light sleeper, and the least word from Lady Erstfield would bring me back to my patient. I lay down, and in a moment was asleep.
I had not slept long when the sound of conversation in the sick room aroused me.
I sprang to my feet, and went back there at once. Lady Erstfield did not hear me. She was standing, facing the bed. Lady Violet was sitting up and speaking in an eager voice.
"I am better," she said; "mother, I want the diamonds—mother, get them for me—I want to feel them and to look at them—they will comfort me—mother, do get them for me at once—the Ponsonby diamonds, you know what I mean—do, mother, dear, fetch me the Ponsonby diamonds."
"You must lie down," I said, going to the other side of the bed; "here, let me cover you up."
She turned to look at me. I forced her back on her pillow and put the bedclothes over her.
"Who are you?" she inquired, gazing at me with her bright, too bright, eyes.
"Your friend and doctor—my name is Halifax."
"Oh, have you come back again, Dr. Halifax? I like you very much. Thank you for sending me Beryl. I love Beryl. Where is she now?"