Once during this visit, while making Orlando safe and comfortable, with
the help of Li Choo, the Chinaman, and Rada, the half-breed, he had seen
Louise for a moment. The old man had gone to the stables, and as he came
out of the room where Orlando was, Louise's door opened softly on him.
Dimly, in the half-darkness of her room, in which no light was burning,
he saw her. She beckoned to him. Shutting the door of Orlando's bedroom
behind him, he came quickly to her side and said:
"Go to bed at once, young woman. This will not do."
"I'm not sick now," she urged. "Say, I really am well again."
"You must not be well again so soon," he replied meaningly. "I want you
to understand that you must not," he insisted.
There was a pause, which seemed interminable to the Young Doctor, who was
listening for the heavy footstep of Joel Mazarine outside the house; and
then at last in agitation Louise said to him:
"Will he get well? Rada told me he was shot saving Mr. Mazarine. Will he
get well?"
"Yes, he will get well, and quickly, if--"
He broke off, for there was the thud of a heavy footstep for which he had
been listening. Joel Mazarine was returning.
"Won't they let me help nurse him?" she whispered.
The Young Doctor shook his head in negation. "His mother will be here
to-morrow," he said quickly. "Be wise, my child."
"You understand?" she whispered wistfully.
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