Part 34 (1/2)
”She is very much startled, and (now for it), thinks, under the circ.u.mstances, she ought not to run the risk of taking care of you on account of G.o.dfrey.”
”Perhaps she is right,” said Colonel Preston, slowly.
He was not surprised to hear it, but it gave him a pang, nevertheless.
”She wants me to engage a nurse for you.”
”Yes, that will be necessary.”
There was a pause.
”When is she going?” he asked, a little later.
”As soon as possible. She is going to board near the school where G.o.dfrey is placed.”
”Shall I see her?”
”She thinks it best not to risk coming into the chamber, lest she should carry the infection to G.o.dfrey.”
”I suppose that is only prudent,” returned the sick man, but in his heart he wished that his wife had shown less prudence, and a little more feeling for him.
”Have you thought of any nurse?” he asked.
”I have thought of the widow Burke.”
”She might not dare to come.”
”She has had the disease. I know this from a few slight marks still left on her face. Of course, you would be willing to pay a liberal price?”
”Any price,” said Colonel Preston, energetically. ”It is a service which, I a.s.sure you, I shall not soon forget.”
”I must see her at once, for your wife will leave directly.”
”Pray, do so,” said Colonel Preston. ”Tell my wife,” he said, after a pause, ”that I hope soon to have recovered, so that it may be safe for her to come back.”
There was a subdued bitterness in his voice, which the doctor detected, and did not wonder at. He gave the message, as requested.
”I am sure I hope so, Dr. Townley,” said Mrs. Preston. ”I shall be tortured with anxiety. I hope you will write me daily how my poor husband is getting along?”
”Perhaps the paper might carry the infection,” said the doctor, testing the real extent of her solicitude.
”I didn't think of that,” answered Mrs. Preston, hastily. ”On the whole, you needn't write, then. It might communicate the disease to G.o.dfrey.”
”She finds G.o.dfrey very useful,” the doctor thought.
”I will bear my anxiety as I can,” she continued. ”Have you thought of anyone for a nurse?”
”I have thought of Mrs. Burke.”