He walked up and down in the
afternoon, gazing at Maud's windows--once a nurse came to the
window and opened it a little. He went back at last into the house;
the doctors were there, talking in low tones to Mrs. Graves. "I
will be back first thing in the morning," said one; the worst,
then, had not happened. But as he appeared a look of inquiry passed
between them and Mrs. Graves. She beckoned to him.
"She is very ill," she said; "it is over, and she has survived; but
the child is dead."
Howard stood blankly staring at the group. "I don't understand," he
said; "the child is dead--yes, but what about Maud?"
The doctor came up to him. "It was sudden," he said; "she had an
attack--we had anticipated it--the child was born dead; but there
is every reason to believe that she will recover; it has been a
great shock, but she is young and strong, and she is full of pluck--
you need not be anxious at present; there is no imminent danger."
Then he added, "Mr. Kennedy, get some rest yourself; she may need
you, and you must not be useless: I tell you, the first danger is
over and will not recur; you must just force yourself to eat--try
to sleep."
"Sleep?" said Howard with a wan smile, "yes, if you could tell me
how to do that!"
The doctors departed; Howard went off with Mrs. Graves. She made
him sit down, she told him a few details; then she said, "Dearest
boy, it's no use wasting words or pity just now--you know what I
feel; I would tell you plainly if I feared the worst.
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