Would he or would he not consent to the operation which alone could save his life?
So far as the two women knew and understood the law, everything depended on that.

If he deliberately refused, it would be because he chose not to live without Angela, not because he feared to go through life a cripple.

They were both sure of that, and they were sure also that if any one could persuade him to choose life where the choice lay in his own hands, it would be Sister Giovanna herself.

The operation was not one which should be attended with great danger; yet so far as the law provided it was of such gravity as to require the patient's own consent.
Neither of the two nuns spoke again till the Mother Superior was at the door to go out.
'If you want me, ring for the lay sister on duty and send for me,' she said.

'I will come at once.' She did not remember that she had ever before said as much to a nurse whose night was beginning.
'Thank you,' answered Sister Giovanna; 'I think he will sleep till morning.' The door closed and she made two steps forward till she stood at the foot of the bed.