Perhaps it is the doctor." Hurrying to the door they found, to their great satisfaction, that Mrs.Barker's guess was verified.

The surgeon had been at home when the messenger arrived, and had started five minutes later, arriving three or four hours earlier than they had even ventured to hope.
Mrs.Barker at once led the way into the next room and, a few minutes later, came out again for hot water and sponges.

Kate had stolen away upstairs, when the surgeon had entered the house.

The two men remained to hear the verdict.
"He is going to probe the wound.

He can give no opinion, yet, till he discovers what course it has taken; but he says that it is a favourable symptom that the pulse is so strong and regular.