"A few months or a year," I said. I repeated the words vaguely; and then I turned my eyes towards the window and looked past it and out into the Square. I saw a carriage drawn by a spirited pair of bays, it passed within sight of the window, and I noticed a girl seated by herself in the carriage. She had on a fashionable hat, and her hair was arranged in a very pretty way, and she had laughing eyes. I was attracted by her appearance, and I even said to myself in an uncertain sort of fashion, "I believe I could copy that hat," but then I turned away from the window and faced the doctor. "You are very brave," he repeated; "I did not think any girl would be quite so brave." "My father was a brave man," I said then; "he won his Victoria Cross." "Ah," replied Dr. Reade, "women often do just as brave actions. Their battles are silent, but none the less magnificent for that." "I always meant to get the Victoria Cross if I could," was my reply. "Well," he answered cheerfully, "I know now how to deal with things; I am very glad that you are that sort. You know that Jim Randolph is a friend of mine." It was on the tip of my tongue to say, Who is Jim Randolph? why should he be a friend of everybody worth knowing? but I did not ask the question. I put it aside and said gravely-- "The person I want to talk about is mother. In the first place, what is the matter with her?" "A very acute form of heart disease. The aortic valve is affected. She may not, and probably will not, suffer much; but at any moment, Miss Wickham, at any moment, any shock may"--he raised his hand emphatically. "You mean that any shock may kill her?" "That is what I mean." "Then she ought to be kept without anxiety?" "That is precisely what I intend." "And if this is done how long will her most precious life be prolonged?" "As I have just said, a year is about the limit." "One year," I answered. "Does she know?" "No, she has not the slightest idea, nor do I want her to be told. She is ready--would to God we were all as ready--why distress her unnecessarily? She would be anxious about you if she thought she was leaving you. It must be your province to give her no anxiety, to guard her. That is an excellent woman, Miss Mullins, she will assist you in every way. I am truly sorry that Jim Randolph has to leave England. However, there is not the slightest doubt that he will hurry home, and when he does come back, will be time sufficient to let your mother know the truth." I did not answer. Dr. Reade looked at his watch.