Watching her attentively--affected, it was impossible to say how, by that mute distress--Fanny Mere proposed to go downstairs, and ask once more what hope there might be for the wounded man.

Iris knew the doctor too well to let the maid leave her on a useless errand.
"Some men might be kindly ready to relieve my suspense," she said; "the man downstairs is not one of them.

I must wait till he comes to me, or sends for me.

But there is something I wish to say to you, while we are alone.

You have been but a short time in my service, Fanny.