She grew very nervous.

She was only human; she was in a very trying position, and she realised it.

Where could that book be?
Suddenly she espied it and, falling on her knees before the trunk, with her back still to Carmel, studied out the words she wanted.

She was leaning over the tray to write these words in her note-book, when--no one ever knew how it happened--the lid of the heavy trunk fell forward and its iron edge struck her on the nape of the neck, with a keen blow which laid her senseless.

When Carmel reached her side, she found herself the strong one and her stalwart nurse the patient.
When help had been summoned, the accident explained, and everything done for the unconscious woman which medical skill could suggest, Carmel, finding a moment to herself, stole to the trunk, and, lifting up the lid, looked in.