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Through an open window
"I’mafraidnot. Warrenhasbeenverydecent,though. Hetoldmehimselfthathesuggestedconsultationwithmeatthefirst,but—MissHarringtonsaidnosodecisivelythathedidn’tdareventureitagain,eventhoughheknewofmydesiretoseethechild. Lately,someofhisbestpatientshavecomeovertome—soofcoursethattiesmyhandsstillmoreeffectually. But,Pendleton,I’vegottoseethatchild! Thinkofwhatitmaymeantoher—ifIdo!"
"Yes,andthinkofwhatitwillmean—ifyoudon’t!"retortedPendleton.
"ButhowcanI—withoutadirectrequestfromheraunt?—whichI’llneverget!"
"Shemustbemadetoaskyou!"
"How?"
"Idon’tknow."
"No,Iguessyoudon’t—noranybodyelse. She’stooproudandtooangrytoaskme—afterwhatshesaidyearsagoitwouldmeanifshedidaskme. ButwhenIthinkofthatchild,doomedtolifelongmisery,andwhenIthinkthatmaybeinmyhandsliesachanceofescape,butforthatconfoundednonsensewecallprideandprofessionaletiquette,I—" Hedidnotfinishhissentence,butwithhishandsthrustdeepintohispockets,heturnedandbegantotrampupanddowntheroomagain,angrily.
"Butifshecouldbemadetosee—tounderstand,"urgedJohnPendleton.
"Yes; andwho’sgoingtodoit?"demandedthedoctor,withasavageturn.
"Idon’tknow,Idon’tknow,"groanedtheother,miserably.
OutsidethewindowJimmyBeanstirredsuddenly. Uptonowhehadscarcelybreathed,sointentlyhadhelistenedtoeveryword.
