“I will do that,” Larentia said. “Can it be early?”
“As early as you like.”
“Then I will come, if I may, at about ten o’clock.”
“That would suit us all. Goodbye, Miss Braintree. Take care of yourself.”
Larentia smiled at him, then as a servant opened the door she said,
“I forgot to ask. Another of Dr. Medwin’s patients came in at the same time as my father, a Miss Katie King. How is she?”
There was silence.
Then Mr. Curtis said, “I am sorry to tell you that despite everything I could do she died this morning!”
He saw the shocked expression on Larentia’s face and added,
“The growth in her body had got too much of a hold and was different from your father’s. I do not think even Mr. Lister himself could have saved her.”
“I am sure no one could have done more than you, Mr. Curtis,” L
