As she approached with the surgeon he opened his eyes with the dazed
expression so common when the brain is enfeebled from loss of blood.
At first they seemed almost opaque and dead in their blackness, but,
as if a light were approaching from within, they grew bright and
laughing. His smile showed his white, even teeth slightly, and her
look of deep commiseration passed into one of wonder as she saw his
face growing positively radiant with what seemed to her a strange
kind of happiness, as he glanced back and forth from her to the
surgeon. Feebly he raised his finger to his lips as if to say, "I
can't speak."

"That's right, Waldo; don't try to talk yet. This is Miss Baron. She
will be one of your nurses and will feed you with the best of soup.
We'll bring you round yet."

He shook his head and smiled more genially, then tried to extend his
hand to the girl, looking his welcome and acceptance of her
ministry. So joyous was his expression that she could not help
smiling in return, but it was the questioning, doubtful smile of one
who did not understand.

"When she comes," resumed Ackley, "take what she gives you, but
don't talk until I give permission. That will do now. You must take
everything except quiet in small quantities at first."

His lips formed the words "All right," and smilingly he watched them
depart.

"I suppose he is not exactly in his right mind," said Miss Lou as
she and the surgeon returned to the house.