Dr. Wilton entered the room at that moment--the rubber-soled shoes having deadened his steps in the corridor. His was one of the old families, and so he was no stranger to Stephanie or to Pendleton. He was familiar with the peculiar situation--and, man like, sympathized with Stephanie. He responded to the look of inquiry in her eyes before she had time to ask. "Your husband, Mrs. Lorraine, is resting quietly. The concussion is slight--and unless something develops internally, which we can't yet tell, he will likely recover. He has had four ribs broken, has sustained numerous cuts and bruises, and has lost much blood--but these are merely temporary in their effects." "Has he recovered consciousness?" Stephanie asked. "At brief intervals--but not for any length of time." "Is there any indication that he is hurt internally?" "It is too early to know certainly; though the character of the accident and the wounds make it very possible. There was a slight hemorrhage, but that has ceased." It was as if he were discussing the case with an ordinary visitor or a reporter. He already knew she was not likely to be particularly interested, but the impersonal manner in which she asked and received his account of her husband's accident--certainly grievous and possibly fatal--was most indicative. He found himself wondering why she had taken the trouble to come at all. And she read something of what he thought, for she remarked, without preliminary: "The Hospital said over the telephone that he had asked for me when he was first brought in--and I came because of that. Has he asked again?" "I think not, Mrs. Lorraine--nor for any one." "May I see him?" The doctor hesitated. "You may--if you very much wish--but we should prefer not." "Can I do him any good by seeing him?" "Not a particle. He is, pardon me, much better as it is--with the surgeons and nurses. In such cases, the presence even of one nearly connected is frequently a deterrent, and excites the patient unduly." "I can do nothing then?" she persisted. "Absolutely nothing," he assured her. "And in event of his needing me?" "We will telephone you." "You think I should not wait?" "I do," he said. "It is quite unnecessary. At present, Mrs. Lorraine, your husband is in no immediate danger." Either Harry had revoked his request, or Doctor Wilton was making it easy for her.--At all events, she could depart with the equanimity of a duty done. "Then I will go home--depending on being advised on the instant, if I am needed," she said with the most bewitching smile and holding out her hand. The doctor took it in a friendly grasp. "I think that is best, Mrs. Lorraine," he replied. "I suppose you know nothing of the details of the accident?" she asked. "No--we leave them to the newspapers and the ambulance chasers," he smiled. "Our record begins with Mr. Lorraine's entry here."