"I should like to come and see you, sometimes, Winnie. I might cycle over, now and then." Winnie's face brightened. "And I shall speak to Mr. Stirling about you. He always likes to know when people are in trouble."
This brought a flush. "He does come—"
"I suppose he calls to see Mr. Paine on business."
"He comes to see us too. He gives me presents. He is—so kind. He has done such a lot for us. I shouldn't like him to be asked to do anything more."
Doris had not thought of money-help. "I only meant that he might advise your mother to make you see a doctor."
"He would say, if he thought she ought." Winnie plainly deprecated interference. "Next time he is here he will say if it is right. Mother always does what he advises."
Doris noted the form of expression. "Then you have seen him a good many times."
"Only twice since we moved here. He is so busy. But—he has always been our friend—our very best and kindest friend. I don't know what we should have done without him."
Doris was rather astonished. Even in Winnie's soft tones, this sounded to her like taking a liberty.
"I suppose he is everybody's friend, in a way," she remarked. "I know he has property in Norfolk.".