“It’s nothing at all, Jules,” she cried, trying to laugh and failing lamentably; “I--I’m only silly.”
“There, dear, don’t talk.” Levice’s face was white as he soothingly stroked her hair.
The doctor stepped in front of them, and laying both hands upon her shoulders, motioned Levice aside.
At the sound of his stern, brusque voice, the long quivering shriek stopped halfway.
“Be perfectly still,” he continued, holding her firmly. “Obey this instant,” as she began to whimper; “not a sound must I hear.”
Ruth and her father stood spell-bound at the effect of the stranger’s measures. For a moment Mrs. Levice had started in affright to scream; but the deep, commanding tone, the powerful hands upon her shoulders, the impressive, unswerving eye that held hers, soon began to act almost hypnotically. The sobbing gradually ceased; the shaking limbs slowly regained their calm; and as she sank upon the cushions the strained look in her eyes melted. She was feebly smiling up at the doctor in response to his own persuasive smile that gradually succeeded the gravity of his countenance.
“That is well,” said he, speaking soothingly as to a child, and still keeping his smiling eyes upon hers. “Now just close your eyes for a minute; see, I have your hand,--so. Go to sleep.”
There was not a sound in the room; Ruth stood where she had been placed, and Mr. Levice was behind the doctor, his face quite colorless, scarcely daring to breathe. Finally the faint, even breathing of Mrs. Levice told that she slept.
Kemp turned to Mr. Levice and spoke low, not in a whisper, which hisses, but his voice was so hushed that it would not have disturbed the lightest sleeper.
“Put your hand, palm up, under hers. I am going to withdraw my hand and retire, as I do not wish to excite her; she will probably open her eyes in a few moments. Take her home as quietly as you can.”
“You will call to-morrow?” whispered Levice.
“Now be deft.” The transfer was quickly made, and nodding cheerfully, Dr. Kemp left the room.
Ruth came forward. Five minutes later Mrs. Levice opened her eyes.
“Why, what has happened?” she asked languidly.
“You fell asleep, Esther,” replied her husband, gently.
“Yes, I know; but why is Ruth in that gown? Oh--ye-es!” Consciousness was returning to her. “And who was that handsome man who was here?”