The doctor spoke earnestly, and Jack bent over him while he told what had to be said. At intervals, Jack gave him teaspoonfuls of brandy, for he was weakening. When he had finished he lay back and closed his eyes. “Better fetch Ena,” he said in a tired voice. Jack went out quickly and summoned the girl who came in dry-eyed and anxious. Jack telephoned in haste for the doctor, but before he arrived the end had come, and Jack and his sister were left to face the world alone.
The days that followed were full of wretchedness for the young people. There was the funeral, and the settling up, when Jack found that things were worse than even his father had thought. The house was only rented and this was behind, and there were debts to be met, even Ena’s last school bill being still unpaid.
Then he went to see the Hospital authorities, who were very kind as far as sympathy went, but adamant with regard to the future. Fees were owing already, and it would be impossible for him to go on for the next two terms to complete, unless payments were made. They were very sorry but the rules were strict. Perhaps he could find work, and later come back and complete his course, and so on.
Jack came away in utter dejection, to the house from which most of the furniture had been removed, and which they had to vacate the next day with nowhere to go.
The one bright star was Ena, who faced the situation with splendid bravery, and refused to despair.
When Jack came in, she met him with a cheery smile, and listened to his story with sympathetic interest.
“You poor boy,” she said, “you must feel it very much, but perhaps some day in the near future, things may get better, and you will be able to get qualified.”
Jack felt ashamed of his despair in face of her pluck.
“I have tried everything, but apart from becoming a professional in the Northern Union, if I was good enough, I can’t see any hope. How do we stand?”
She knew what he meant, as she it was who had gone through the accounts, and settled the bills, as soon as the lawyers had done their part and taken their heavy toll.