hope for the best! I do
think doctors are the stupidest things! They have no tact. He could
tell me that in one breath, and in the other that it was most important
that I should have hope. Well! I _have_ hope. I _have_ faith, but
it's not because of his stupid injections. I believe in God, and God
knows that I need my health, and that other people need it too. My
little sister! What would happen to her if I crocked now? I don't
believe He will _let_ me grow worse!"

"That's all right, Sophie dear, but oughtn't you to use the means? I
don't call it trusting in the right sense if you set yourself against
the help that comes along. God doesn't work miracles as He did in the
old way; the world has progressed since those old times, and now He
works through men. It is a miracle just the same, though it shows
itself in a more natural fashion. Don't you call it a miracle that a
busy doctor should offer to treat you himself, at the hours most
convenient to you, and to do it at a quarter of his usual fees?"

"His fee for to-day was two guineas. They always charge that, I
suppose--these specialist people. A quarter of that would mean half-a-
guinea a visit. Two half-guineas equal one guinea. Later on, three or
four half-guineas a week would equal one-and-a-half to two guineas. Two
guineas equal my whole income. Very kind, no doubt--very kind indeed.
And just about as feasible as if he'd said a thousand pounds."

Claire was busy calculating, her fingers playing upon her knee. Ten
guineas ought to pay for the six weeks which would test the efficacy of
the vaccine. Surely there could not be any serious difficulty about ten
guineas?

"Wouldn't your brother?"

Sophie shook her head.

"I wouldn't ask him. He has four small children, and he does so much
for Emily. More than he can afford. He works too hard, poor fellow.
If it were a certainty, perhaps it might be managed somehow; but it's
only a chance, and six weeks won't see the end."

"But the end will be quicker if you begin at once. The doctor said that
every day was of importance. Sophie, listen! I've got the money. I've
got it lying in the bank. I'll lend it to you. I'd love to lend it.
If you'll let me, I'll send you a cheque to-night; that will pay for the
first six weeks--"

Sophie stretched out her hand, and gave a momentary clasp to Claire's
fingers.

"You _are_ a good soul! Fancy offering that to a stranger like me!
It's noble of y