"
"No; his daughter."
"Mina?"
"Yes. Lord knows where she got it. But get it she did. Mrs. Orde
happened to be with her when she was taken with the fever and
distressing symptoms that begin the disease. As a neighbourly deed
she remained with the girl. Of course no one could tell it was
smallpox at that time. Next day, however, the characteristic rash
appeared on the thighs and armpits, and I diagnosed the case." Dr.
McMullen laughed a little bitterly. "Lord, you ought to have seen
them run! Servants, neighbours, friends--they all skedaddled, and
you couldn't have driven them back with a steam-roller! I
telegraphed to Redding for a nurse. Until she came Mrs. Orde stayed
by, like a brick. Don't know what I should have done without her.
There was nobody to do anything at all. As soon as the nurse came
Mrs. Orde gave up her post. I tell you," cried Doctor McMullen with
as near an approach to enthusiasm as he ever permitted himself,
"there's a sensible woman! None of your story-book twaddle about
nursing through the illness, and all that. When her usefulness was
ended, she knew enough to step aside gracefully. There was not much
danger as far as she was concerned. I had vaccinated her myself,
you know, last year.
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