The sick mother was outstretched on an old bed by a dark window. A neighbor's wife, who introduced herself as "Mrs. Slattery, thank you kindly," was sitting by her. Casimir ran to his wife, and gasping with terror at her appearance, dropped on his knees. She embraced him with long white arms so gaunt that they frightened Gloria. Stas ran to the other side of the bed and clambered up. His mother turned, stared at him, and only realized after a long look that he was hers. Then she gathered him to her poor bosom with a sob of pitiful rapture.
Mrs. Slattery rubbed off a chair with her apron and invited Gloria to rest herself, but Gloria went to Casimir's wife. The wretched woman clutched her hands and held them to her cheek, while Stas and Casimir both explained to her who Gloria was. They told her what miracles Gloria had performed and they plainly hoped for another, but Gloria was filled with a dread that money would be useless here.
Doctor Boyce came at last and she had some hope that he might redeem the life of the victim of life. He made his examination and spoke cheerfully enough, but Gloria was sure from his tone that he was lying, too. She led him out into the hall to question him. He shook his head gloomily. Gloria protested.
"But surely there must be some way to help her!"
"Not in this cavern," Doctor Boyce insisted. 