Presently the door was opened softly, and the doctor came in, with Parson Fair and Jonas Hapgood.

Madelon, in her snow-powdered red cloak, came last.

David started up fiercely when he saw her; then he stood back and waited.
The doctor bent over Lot and began counting his pulse.

He eyed him sharply.
"The pendulum still swings," said Lot.
The doctor started.

"You can speak, then!" he cried out, brusquely.
Lot smiled.
The doctor was old, and his long struggle with birth and death had begun to tell upon him.