.. he would do almost as much, or more. He would stab a
man without remorse, if he thought that by stabbing him he could advance
knowledge."
I recognised at once the truth of her diagnosis. "Nurse Wade," I cried,
"you are a wonderful woman! I believe you are right; but--how did you
come to think of it?"
A cloud passed over her brow. "I have reason to know it," she answered,
slowly. Then her voice changed. "Take another muffin."
I helped myself and paused. I laid down my cup, and gazed at her. What a
beautiful, tender, sympathetic face! And yet, how able! She stirred the
fire uneasily. I looked and hesitated. I had often wondered why I never
dared ask Hilda Wade one question that was nearest my heart. I think it
must have been because I respected her so profoundly. The deeper your
admiration and respect for a woman, the harder you find it in the end
to ask her. At last I ALMOST made up my mind. "I cannot think," I began,
"what can have induced a girl like you, with means and friends, with
brains and"--I drew back, then I plumped it out--"beauty, to take to
such a life as this--a life which seems, in many ways, so unworthy of
you!"
She stirred the fire more pensively than ever, and rearranged the
muffin-dish on the little wrought-iron stand in font of the grate.
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