Not one was in sight.

The nurse would undoubtedly give me the information I desired, but, kind as she had been, I dreaded to consult a stranger about matters which involved my very existence and every remaining hope.

Yet I must know; for I could not help thinking, now, and I dreaded to think amiss and pile up misery for myself when I needed support and consolation.
I would risk one question, but no more.

I would ask about the inquest.
Had it been held?
If she said yes--ah, if she said yes!--I should know that Carmel was dead; and the news, coming thus, would kill me.

So I asked nothing, and was lying in a sufficiently feverish condition when the doctor came in, saw my state, and thinking to cheer me up, remarked blandly: "You are well enough this morning to hear good news.