Miss Carlisle? And Mr. Welman? They're on their way." Again Mrs. Welman tried incoherently to speak. Dr. Lord listened attentively.

"You wanted them to come, but it's not that? Someone else? A relation?

No? Some business matter? I see. Something to do with money? Lawyer?

That's right, isn't it? You want to see your lawyer? Want to give him instructions about some - thing?"

38

"Now, now - that's all right. Keep calm. Plenty of time. What's that you're saying - Elinor?" He caught the garbled name. "She knows what lawyer?

And she will arrange with him? Good. She'll be here in about half an hour. I'll tell her what you want and I'll come up with her and we'll get it all straight. Now, don't worry any more. Leave it all to me. I'll see that things are arranged the way you want them to be."

He stood a moment watching her relax, then he moved quietly away and went out on the landing. Nurse O'Brien followed him. Nurse Hopkins was just coming up the stairs. He nodded to her.

She said breathlessly, "Good evening, Doctor."

"Good evening, Nurse."

He went with the two of them into Nurse O'Brien's room next door and gave them their instructions. Nurse Hopkins would remain on overnight and take charge with Nurse O'Brien.

"Tomorrow I'll have to get hold of a second resident nurse. Awkward, this diphtheria epidemic over at Stamford. The nursing homes there are working short handed as it is."

Then, having given his orders, which were listened to with reverent attention (which sometimes tickled him), Dr. Lord went downstairs, ready to receive the niece and nephew who, his watch told him, were due to arrive any minute now.

In the hall he encountered Mary Gerrard. Her face was pale and anxious. She asked, "Is she better?"

Dr. Lord said, "I can ensure her a peaceful night - that's about all that can be done."

Mary said brokenly, "It seems so cruel - so unfair" 39

He nodded sympathetically enough. "Yes, it does seem like that sometimes. I believe -"

He broke off. "That's the car."

He went out into the hall. Mary ran upstairs.

Elinor exclaimed as she came into the drawing-room, "Is she very bad?" Roddy was looking pale and apprehensive.

The doctor said gravely, "I'm afraid it will be rather a shock to you. She's badly paralyzed. Her speech is almost unrecognizable. By the way, she's definitely worried about something. It's to do with sending for her lawyer. You know who he is, Miss Carlisle?"

Elinor said quickly, "Mr. Seddon - of Bloomsbury Square. But he wouldn't be there at this time of the evening, and I don't know his home address." Dr. Lord said reassuringly, "Tomorrow will be in plenty of time. I'm anxious to set Mrs. Welman's mind at rest as soon as possible. If you will come up with me now, Miss Carlisle, I think together we shall be able to reassure her."