Through the open doorway of a ward I perceived a well-known figure in nurse's uniform.
"Why," said I, "there's Phyllis Gedge." Betty nodded.

"She has just come in as a probationer." "I thought her father wouldn't let her.

I've heard--Heaven knows whether it's true, but it sounds likely--that he said if men were such fools as to get shot he didn't see why his daughter should help to mend them." "He has consented now," said Betty, "and Phyllis is delighted." "No doubt it's a bid for popular favour," said I.And I told her of his dwindling business and of my encounter with him.

When I came to his threat Betty's brows darkened.
"I don't like that at all," she said.
"Why?
What do you think he means ?" "Mischief." She lowered her voice, for, it being visiting day at the hospital, people were passing up and down the corridor.

"Suppose he has some of the people here in his power ?" "Blackmail-- ?" I glanced up at her sharply.