It
seemed to him quite sane and extraordinarily happy.
The effort of meeting the staff roused him, and, with hope came a
return to normality. There was much to be done, special nurses,
a private room, and - rather reluctantly - friends and relatives
to be notified. Only for a few minutes, out of all of life, had
she been his. He must give her up now. Life had become one long
renunciation.
He did not go home at all that night. He divided his time between
the plant and the hospital, going back and forward. Each time he
found the report good. She was still strong; no internal injuries
had manifested themselves, and the concussion would probably wear
off before long. He wanted to be there when she first opened her
eyes. He was afraid she might be frightened, and there would be
a bad minute when she remembered - if she did remember.
At midnight, going into the room, he found Mrs. Haverford beside
Audrey's bed, knitting placidly. She seemed to accept his being
there as perfectly natural, and she had no sick-room affectations.
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