‘I suppose my hour’s come?’ said Abel Graham in a matter-of-fact way.  ’I don’t think much of your fraternity,—­I’ve never had many dealings with you,—­but I suppose you can tell a man what he generally knows himself, that he’ll soon be in grips with death?’

The doctor looked at him with an odd smile.  He was a young man, fighting his way up against fierce competition—­an honest, straightforward fellow, who knew and loved his work.

’You don’t think highly of us, Mr. Graham, but I daresay we have our uses.  This young lady appears to be an accomplished nurse; she has done the very best possible under the circumstances.’

He turned to Gladys, not seeking to hide his surprise at finding such a fair young creature amid such surroundings.  Walter Hepburn, standing in the background, experienced a strange sensation when he saw that look.  Though he knew it not, it was his first jealous pang.

‘I had to nurse my father often in such attacks,’ Gladys answered, with her quiet, dignified calm.  ’If there is anything more I can do, pray tell me, and I will follow your instructions faithfully.’

’There is not much we can do in such a case.  I never heard anything so foolhardy as to go off, as you say he did yesterday, driving through the open country for hours on a March day.  I don’t think a man who takes such liberties with himself can expect to escape the penalty, Mr. Graham.’

’Well, well, it doesn’t matter.  If my hour’s come, it’s come, I suppose, and that’s the end of it,’ he retorted irritably.  ’How long will I last?’

‘Years, perhaps, with care—­after this attack is conquered,’ replied the doctor; and the old man answered with a grim, sardonic smile.

‘We’ll see whether you or I am right,’ he replied.  ’You needn’t stay any longer just now.’

Gladys took the candle, and herself showed the doctor to the outer door.

‘Will he really recover, do you think?’ she asked, when they were out of hearing.

’He may, but only with care.  The lungs are much congested, and his reserve of strength is small.  What relation is he to you, may I ask?  Your grandfather?’

‘No; my uncle?’

‘And do you live here always?’

‘Yes, this is my home,’ Gladys answered, and she could scarcely forbear a smile at the expression on the young doctor’s face.

‘Indeed! and you are contented?  You seem so,’ he said, lingering at the door a moment longer than he need have done.

‘Oh yes; I have a great deal to be thankful for,’ she answered.  ’You will come again to-morrow early, will you not?’

’Certainly.  Good-morning.  Take care of yourself.  You do not look as if your reserve of strength were very great either.’

‘Oh, I am very strong, I assure you,’ Gladys answered, with a smile; and as she looked into his open, honest face, she could not help thinking what a pleasant face it was.