Her Last Stake, Chapters I-V [pp. 815-839]

HER LAST STAKE.
But no doubt the lady's friends will come forward later, when
they can be communicated with."
The sisters hesitated, and then began to consult together in
low tones, the youngest nun apparently objecting, and the elder
urging her arguments. Presently the latter, Sister Raphael,
turned to Mrs. Mortimer, the proprietor and doctor both standing expectantly aside.
"I think," said Sister Raphael, "that it seems as if we ought
to do something for the poor lady. But you see, we cannot
definitely undertake the case without orders. I propose that
Sister Gabrielle here should remain with the patient for a few
days, while I continue my journey homewards, as I have business to transact en route, and meanwhile we can write to our
mother for further orders."
"Any help, even for a day or two, will be most welcome, I
am sure," said Mrs. Mortimer; and she repeated the proposal
to the two men, who immediately turned to Sister Raphael
with profuse expressions of gratitude.
"We had better go to the patient at once," then said Sister Raphael; and the little doctor turned to accompany them
upstairs and install his new-found nurse.
"0 sister, my heart fails me-indeed it does!" whispered
Sister Gabrielle, as they followed him up the wide marble staircase. "It's not the nursing I am afraid of, but being alone in
this great big place, and not a soul to speak to in my own language."
"Now, Gabrielle dear, you mustn't speak like that. Sure,
Our Lady will take care of you."
"Yes, I know," somewhat plaintively assented the younger.
"But I haven't got any of my nursing things, you knowaprons, sleeves, and so on. If-if-I stay, will you write for
some for me?"
"I'll settle all that, never fear!" said cheery Sister Raphael.
"I wish I could stay myself, but you know I am bound to go
back with all the money and business letters and accounts to
mother."
So they mounted beyond the "premikre tage," and higher
still beyond the "deuxikme," and finally passed along the corridor and paused at a door before which hung a white sheet duly
soaked in disinfectants.
"I have put that up already, you see," remarked the doctor,
touching it. "Dangerous thing to do, though-might arouse
suspicion-told the chambermaid it was to keep out draughts."
8I8
[Mar.,