"Oh, then it's Mr. Hodge."
"You couldn't," said Mrs. Hodge with emphasis, "catch Hodge at a loss. He was ready for anything. He'd have been proud to see Nellie to-day. Look what the papers are saying of her!"
"I'm sure she deserves it all."
"Aye, that she does: she deserves all Dale Bannister can do for her."
Philip scented danger in this topic, and changed the subject.
"When are we to see her?" he asked.
"In a day or two, I expect. She's much better this morning. She's asked to see the papers, and I'm going to take her the Chronicle."
"How delightful to read of one's heroic actions! I have never enjoyed the sensation."
"Nor ever will, young man, if you spend all your time loafing," said Mrs. Hodge incisively.