It is a question if he lasts another week." "Tell me, please, exactly what can be done for him." "Very little indeed.

And Mrs.Elton is a good nurse." The same look of inquiry as before was in the doctor's face while he gave this answer, and Mrs.Costello felt that some explanation was necessary.
"I have no doubt she is.

But I knew him--knew something of him--many years ago," she said; "and Mr.Strafford, the clergyman at Moose Island, you know, confided him to my care." She spoke hurriedly, but without faltering, and the doctor was satisfied.

He told her briefly all that could be done for his patient, and then went away, with a last warning not to stay too long.
This short conversation had been carried on rapidly and in very low tones.

Mrs.Elton had left the room, and Christian seemed quite unconscious of the presence of the speakers.