"Strange woman, that," said Sir Denton, an hour later, when he was leaving the ward. "I believe that when she was made, all the atoms or particles which go to form the virtue known as gratitude were left out. What do you say, nurse?" "The poor woman has suffered a great deal." "Yes, but she might have shown some little thankfulness to you for what you have done." "I, Sir Denton?" said the nurse deprecatingly. "Yes, my child, you. What I have done would have been useless without your help. But there, it is waste of words to praise you, for you are a dreadful sceptic. By the way, Elthorne, there is nothing to prevent you from taking a week's run. You ought to have it now." "I don't like to leave till that woman is perfectly safe from a relapse." "Well, she is now, so go. It will suit me better than if you wait to go later on. Nurse Elisia and I will see to her. I suppose you will trust us?" "What a question!" said the young surgeon. "Well, under those circumstances I will go for a few days--say four." "Take a fortnight, man." "No; the time I said. I should not go down only my people consider that I am neglecting them. I shall be back at the end of four days." He glanced sharply at the nurse as he spoke, and she met his eyes in the most calm, unmoved way. "You may depend upon my taking every care of the patient, Mr Elthorne," she said quietly. "Thank you; I am sure you will," he said with his brow wrinkling a little. But he mastered himself the next minute, as he gave a few directions concerning other patients in the ward. "Tut, man! that will do," said Sir Denton, impatiently. "The conceit of you young fellows is dreadful. Do you think there will be screens drawn round all the beds just because you are out of the way? We'll try and keep your patients alive." Neil laughed good-humouredly. "I have perfect faith in nurse," he said apologetically. "Forgive me for being anxious about my ward." "Partly humbug, my dear boy," said the great surgeon to himself. "But there, I don't blame him." Then aloud: "My dear Elthorne, seriously, I think change is necessary sometimes, and take my word for it, as an old experienced man, when I say that a holiday is no waste of time. You will come back clearer-headed, and with your nerves toned up. When you come back I shall myself take a few days' rest, and I can do so with the pleasant feeling of confidence that everything here in my ward will go on exactly as I could wish--thanks to you both." "Thanks to your teachings," said Neil. "Well, perhaps I have done my best. You are wanted there." One of the dressers had come up and was waiting to speak, and Neil went off with him directly to the other end of the ward.