When, on the following morning, the Professor or
Miss Warren questionedher about Dr.
Aheavy breathing gasped through the air, like a
broken pump. Youd better lie down, she said, anxious to justify her championship.
Helen felt the first chill of reaction as the door slammed behind
thewoman.
And she had reached her bedroom by way of thefront
stairs. Suddenly she felt so sorry forthe vindictive, unattractive woman that she
lost her dislike. Now, Im going to bed, and you arenot to disturb me again. Nurse
Barker watched her asshe sank down, panting, on the lowest step.
Youd better lie down, she said, anxious to justify
her championship.
Oates too, would be onhis return
journey.
When you are alone,with her, remember you asked for
it.
There was one comfort-the night was wearing away.
The glow in his heart rose to his lips and flamed into asmile.
Dont go to find out, Nurse Barker warned
her.
Its a long way up, in case you
metsomeone.
When you lockout, you never know what youre locking
in. Oh, gasped Helen, stroking her neck tenderly. I must keep my head, she resolved
desperately.
Still, there are young men about the house,
remarked the Captain.
Helen saw her smile, and was suddenly inflamed at
reprisal. Helen left him to his game of pretending he had found a
mouse.
Hes on holiday, and Im chasing him allover
England.
Hot with indignation, she burst into the blue
room.
So, while Im waiting I thought Id ring you up, just
incase you hadnt gone to bed. You can come up too, ifyoure going to throw a
fit.
Helen heard heavy footsteps crossing the room,
andNurse Barkers voice raised in a shout. Her explanation only fed Nurse Barkers
anger.
The blind was undrawn, so that he could see into
the lamp-litsitting-room. It is not so late,and Im not afraid of the dark, or a spot
of rain. Drag a drunken log up two flights of stairs? Parry, and was signed with the
initials, D.
Nurse Barker watched her asshe sank down, panting,
on the lowest step. So,he must feel the same, or he couldnt call to me.
She reminded herself that Lady Warren was not some
gentle old soul, atthe mercy of a brute. The door opened, and Nurse Barker stood
looking down at her withunfriendly eyes.