Two other pairs of lamps joined them in the
earliest of the small hours, these subjoined to two deep-hooded phaetons,
from each of which quickly descended a gentleman with a beard, an air of
eminence, and a small, ominous black box. The air of eminence was
justified by the haste with which Meredith had sent for them, and by their
wide repute. They arrived almost simultaneously, and hastily shook hands
as they made their way to the ward down the long hall and up the narrow
corridor. They had a short conversation with Gay and a word with the
nurse, then turned the others out of the room by a practiced innuendo of
manner. They stayed a long time in the room without opening the door.
Meredith paced the hall alone, sometimes stopping to speak to Warren
Smith; but the two officials of peace sat together in dumb consternation
and astonishment. The sleepy young man relaxed himself resignedly upon a
bench in the hall had returned to the dormance from which he had been
roused. The big hospital was very still. Now and then a nurse went through
the hall, carrying something, and sometimes a neat young physician passed
cheerfully along, looking as if he had many patients who were well enough
to testify to his skill, but sick enough to pay for it. Outside, through
the open front doors, the crickets chirped.
Meredith went out on the steps, and breathed the cool night air.
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