"Back in the ward, though not yet conscious."

"And the operation?"

"Absolutely successful."

"Despite my interruption?"

"Another marvel to us M.D.'s is the way so sensitive a thing as a woman
will hold herself in hand by sheer nerve force when it is necessary. You
did not faint till the operation was completed."

"Now may I go?" asked the girl, with a touch of archness, as she held up
the glass and the plate, both empty.

"Yes, if you will let me share your carriage. Having led you into this
predicament, the least I feel I can do is to see you safely out of it."

"Now the hermit is metamorphosing himself into a knight," laughed
Constance, merrily, "with a distressed damsel on his hands. I really need
not put you to the trouble, but I shall be glad if you will take me home."

Once again the doctor put his overcoat about her, and they descended the
stairs and entered the brougham.

"Tell me the purpose of all those instruments I saw in your room," she
asked as they started.

"They are principally for the investigation of bacteria. Not being