"Well, that's what Ned says," the woman retorted.
"He would," replied the surgeon.
She looked at him sharply.
"You mean Ned's afraid of the old man?"
The other didn't answer.
"You're right there," said the young mother. "He is. And I don't wonder. I'm afraid of him—and I've never feared a man before."
"Most people are," replied Mr. Trupp. "He's a bit of a terror; but he's got his points. You needn't worry," he added as he said good-bye. "You're not likely to see much of him. He's too busy with his Grand Northern Railway."
The woman was unconvinced.
"He's that sudden," she said. "There he was in the door—me in me wrapper and all. Of course Ned never give me no warning. Too flabbergasted by half. Learnt me a lesson, though, never to sit in the back-room with my sewing about."
"Did you know him?" asked Mr. Trupp, amused.