Part 35 (2/2)
Dr. Townley threw down this letter with deep disgust.
”Was ever any woman more disgustingly selfish?” he exclaimed. ”Her husband might have died, so far as she was concerned.”
Of course, he had to show this letter to Colonel Preston.
The latter read it, with grave face, and the doctor thought he heard a sigh.
”My wife is very prudent,” he said, with a touch of bitterness in his voice.
”She will be here next week,” said the doctor, having nothing else to answer.
”I think she will run no risk then,” said the sick man, cynically.
But Mrs. Preston did not return in a week. It was a full week and a half before she arrived at her own house.
The doctor was just coming out of the front door.
”How is my husband?” she asked.
”Not far from well. He is still weak, of course.”
”And are you sure,” she said, anxiously, ”that there is no danger of infection?”
”Not the slightest, madam,” said Dr. Townley, coldly.
”I am so glad I can see him once more. You cannot imagine,” she exclaimed, clasping her hands, ”how much I have suffered in my suspense!”
The doctor remained cool and unmoved. He didn't feel that he could respond fittingly, being absolutely incredulous.
Mrs. Preston saw it, and was nettled. She knew that she was a hypocrite, but did not like to have the doctor, by his silence, imply his own conviction of it.
”Mine has been a hard position,” she continued.
”Your husband has not had an easy time,” said the doctor, significantly.
”But he has had good care--Mrs. Burke was a good nurse?”
”Admirable.”
”She must be paid well.”
”I offered her ten dollars a week.”
”Humph!” said Mrs. Preston, doubtfully, in whose eyes five dollars would have been liberal compensation. ”It has been a good chance for her.”
”It is far from adequate,” said the doctor, disgusted. ”Money cannot pay for such service as hers, not to speak of the risk she ran, for cases have been known of persons being twice attacked by the disease.”
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