"
But Nan only shivered in response, as though she found this assurance
the reverse of comforting. The shock of the accident, succeeding the
incessant strain of the past few weeks, had completely broken down her
nerve, and no amount of reasoning could calm her.
When a message came from her husband an hour later, asking if she would
see him, she answered in the affirmative, but the bare prospect of the
interview threw her into a ferment of agitation.
She lay panting on her pillows like a frightened child when at length he
entered.
He came in very softly, but every pulse in her body leapt at his
approach. She could not utter a word in greeting.
He stood a moment in silence, looking down at her, then, stooping, he
took her free hand into his own.
"Are you better?" he asked, his deep voice hushed as if he were in
church.
She could not answer him for the fast beating of her heart. He waited a
little, then sat down by the bed, his great hand still holding her little
trembling one in a steady grasp.
"The doctor tells me," he said, "that it would not be safe for you to
travel at present, so I cannot of course, think of allowing you to do
so."
Nan's eyes opened very wide at this. It was an entirely novel idea that
this man should take upon himself to direct her movements. She drew a
deep breath, and found her voice.
"I should certainly not dream of attempting such a thing without the
doctor's permission.
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