"She certainly shall not be sent
for," he said with decision. "The poor child shall be left in peace."
"She is going to get better, isn't she?" said Billy quickly.
"I hope so, old chap. I hope so." Scott patted his shoulder kindly and
prepared to depart.
But Billy detained him a moment. "I say, can't I come and see her?"
"Not now, lad." Scott paused, and all the natural kindliness came back
into his eyes. "My sister was just getting her calm again when I came
away. We won't disturb her now."
"How is your sister, sir?" asked Billy. "Isn't she feeling the strain
rather?"
"No, she is standing it wonderfully. In fact," Scott hesitated
momentarily, "I believe that in helping Dinah, she has found herself
again."
"Do you really?" said Billy. "Then I do hope for her sake that Dinah will
buck up and get well."
"Thanks, old chap." Scott held out a friendly hand. "I'm sorry you're
having such a rotten time. Come along to me any time when you're feeling
bored! I shall be only too pleased when I'm at liberty."
"You're a brick, sir," said Billy. "And I say, you'll send for me, won't
you, if--if--" He broke off. "You know, as I said before, Dinah and I are
pals," he ended wistfully.
"Of course I will, lad. Of course I will." Scott wrung his hand hard.
"But we'll pull her through, please God! We must pull her through."
"If anyone can, you will," said Billy with conviction.
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