But, soon after, thanks to Beenie's persistence,
indications of success appeared, and Letty began to breathe. It
was then resolved between the nurses that, for the present, they
would keep the affair to themselves, a conclusion affording much
satisfaction to Beenie, in the consciousness that therein she had
the better of the Turnbulls, against whom she cherished an ever-
renewed indignation.
But, when Mary set herself at length to find out from Letty what
had happened, without which she could not tell what to do next,
she found her mind so far gone that she understood nothing said
to her, or, at least, could return no rational response, although
occasionally an individual word would seem to influence the
current of her ideas. She kept murmuring almost inarticulately;
but, to Mary's uneasiness, every now and then plainly uttered the
name _Tom_. What was she to make of it? In terror lest she
should betray her, she must yet do something. Matters could not
have gone wrong so far that nothing could be done to set them at
least a little straight! If only she knew what! A single false
step might do no end of mischief! She must see Tom Helmer:
without betraying Letty, she might get from him some
enlightenment. She knew his open nature, had a better opinion of
him than many had, and was a little nearer the right of him. The
doctor must be called; but she would, if possible, see Tom first.
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