Lots of people recover from smallpox if they're
properly nursed, and you'll be that, for I'll see to it. Charles
has gone for the doctor, and we'll know when he comes. You must
go straight to bed."
She took off her hat and shawl, and hung them up. She felt as
much at home as if she had never been away. She had got back to
her kingdom, and there was none to dispute it with her. When Dr.
Spencer and old Giles Blewett, who had had smallpox in his youth,
came, two hours later, they found Eunice in serene charge. the
house was in order and reeking of disinfectants. Victoria's fine
furniture and fixings were being bundled out of the parlor.
There was no bedroom downstairs, and, if Christopher was going to
be ill, he must be installed there.
The doctor looked grave.
"I don't like it," he said, "but I'm not quite sure yet. If it
is smallpox the eruption will probably by out by morning. I must
admit he has most of the symptoms. Will you have him taken to
the hospital?"
"No," said Eunice, decisively. "I'll nurse him myself. I'm not
afraid and I'm well and strong."
"Very well. You've been vaccinated lately?"
"Yes."
"Well, nothing more can be done at present. You may as well lie
down for a while and save your strength."
But Eunice could not do that. There was too much to attend to.
She went out to the hall and threw up the window. Down below, at
a safe distance, Charles Holland was waiting.
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