She
dropped to her knees by the bedside, with a wail of despair, and Gussie's
sobs were added to the moans that came from the lips of the kneeling wife.
Dexie bent over her sister, saying firmly:
"You must either control yourself or leave the room. Can't you see how it
distresses papa?"
Guy Traverse led the sobbing girl out of the room at last, and his kind
words of comfort did much to help Gussie overcome her violent grief. He
was fast recovering from his own wounds, and he made himself very useful in
spite of his one-armed condition--for he still wore his broken arm in a
sling. Dexie was not blind to the excellent traits of character he had
displayed during the trying weeks past, but when she endeavored to express
her thanks he stopped her with a word.
Weeks passed, and Mr. Sherwood's progress was so slow as to damp all hopes
as to his ultimate recovery.
"I must know the truth," he said one morning, when the doctor made his
usual visit; "it is no kindness to keep me in ignorance of my true
condition. If I am not likely to rise from this bed a well man, then it is
time I settled my business; so tell me what you think, Dr.
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