"Certainly, if you wish it," he replied wonderingly.
The doctor led the way and the Major followed him, and they walked up-stairs without speaking.
Philippa moved to the window, and stood there looking out, her hands lightly clasped in front of her--motionless, her eyes gazing across the sunlit park.
And so she waited, until after the lapse of about ten minutes the two men returned.
As they entered the room she stepped quickly forward, and before either of them could speak she said-"Before you say anything, I want to tell you that I have quite decided. Thank you," she made a gesture to the Major, "for all you said. I know you mean to be kind, in telling me of the difficulties, but I have quite decided. If it is a mistake--well, I am content to abide by it; but as it seems possible for me to bring a little happiness to Francis, I am going to do it."
This time it was the Major who did not answer. He was standing by the fireplace with his eyes on the hearthstone, and his face was working under the stress of some emotion. In his hand he held a small bunch of violets.
"God bless you," said the doctor softly. Then with a quick change of tone he added, "We'll save him yet. Please God we'll save him yet."
Then he drew Philippa to one side, and began to give her some instructions, and some professional details as to the condition of his patient, to which the girl listened attentively.
"At five o'clock this evening I'll come and take you to him," he said presently. "I can only allow you to stay a few moments, and I need hardly impress on you the strict necessity that he should not be allowed to excite himself in any way. But I do not think we shall have any trouble of that kind, for I have already warned him about it. I must go now. You may expect me at five this afternoon."
"I wish Marion were here." The Major turned to Philippa when they were left alone. "I think in a case like this a woman might know what to say to you. I have said all I can, haven't I?"
"You have said all you can, but--I think you saw for yourself, didn't you?"
He nodded. "Poor chap!" he said, with real feeling in his voice. "It is a wonderful change."
"He knew you?"