It was Lucy's future happiness which was at stake.

This must be made safe at any cost short of exposure.
"Better put a few things in a bag," Doctor John continued.

"It may be a case of hours or days--I can't tell till I see him.

The boy fell from the roof of the stable and is pretty badly hurt; both legs are broken, I hear; the right one in two places." She was upstairs in a moment, into her nursing dress, always hanging ready in case the doctor called for her, and down again, standing beside the gig, her bag in her hand, before he had time to turn his horse and arrange the seat and robes for her comfort.
"Who is it ?" she asked hurriedly, resting her hand in his as he helped her into the seat and took the one beside her, Martha and Archie assisting with her bag and big driving cloak.
"Burton's boy.

His father was coming for me and met me on the road.