CHAPTER VII

thatwas—andinthelaststages.Hesaid,withoutmincingmatters,thatnothingcouldbedoneforher.Ifshetookgreatcareofherselfshemightliveayear—butshemightalsodieatanymoment—Dr.Trentnevertroubledhimselfabouteuphemisms.Shemustbecarefultoavoidallexcitementandallseveremuscularefforts.Shemusteatanddrinkmoderately,shemustneverrun,shemustgoupstairsanduphillwithgreatcare.Anysuddenjoltorshockmightbefatal.Shewastogettheprescriptionheenclosedfilledandcarryitwithheralways,takingadosewheneverherattackscameon.Andhewasherstruly,H.B.Trent. Valancysatforalongwhilebyherwindow.Outsidewasaworlddrownedinthelightofaspringafternoon—skiesentrancinglyblue,windsperfumedandfree,lovely,soft,bluehazesattheendofeverystreet.Overattherailwaystationagroupofyounggirlswaswaitingforatrainsheheardtheirgaylaughterastheychatteredandjoked.Thetrainroaredinandroaredoutagain.Butnoneofthesethingshadanyreality.Nothinghadanyrealityexceptthefactthatshehadonlyanotheryeartolive. Whenshewastiredofsittingatthewindowshewentoverandlaydownonherbed,staringatthecracked,discolouredceiling.Thecuriousnumbnessthatfollowsonastaggeringblowpossessedher.Shedidnotfeelanythingexceptaboundlesssurpriseandincredulity—behindwhichwastheconvictionthatDr.Trentknewhisbusinessandthatshe,ValancyStirling,whohadneverlived,wasabouttodie. WhenthegongrangforsupperValancygotupandwentdownstairsmechanically,fromforceofhabit.Shewonderedthatshehadbeenletalonesolong.Butofcoursehermotherwouldnotpayanyattentiontoherjustnow.Valancywasthankfulforthis.Shethoughtthequarrelovertherosebushhadbeenreally,asMrs.Frederickherselfmighthavesaid,Providential.Shecouldnoteatanything,butbothMrs.FrederickandCousinSticklesthoughtthiswasbecauseshewasdeservedlyunhappyoverhermother’sattitude,andherlackofappetitewasnotcommentedon.Valancyforcedherselftoswallowacupofteaandthensatandwatchedtheotherseat,withanoddfeelingthatyearshadpassedsinceshehadsatwiththematthedinner-table.Shefoundherselfsmilinginwardlytothinkwhatacommotionshecouldm