"Yes. If I can."
"Why not? In April? May? June? In June—a lovely month. It has a sound of marriage in it. But after all," he said thoughtfully, "it seems a pity to go. And I wouldn't," he added with defiance, "if I were not afraid of being ill on your hands."
"My hands would like it rather."
"Bless them!"
"Oh—what silly things we say—and do—and you haven't seen Notya yet."
"Come along then," he said, and as they went up the stairs together Helen thought Mr. Pinderwell smiled.
It was after this visit that Mildred Caniper coolly asked Helen if Dr. Mackenzie were in the habit of using endearments towards her.
"Not often," Helen said. Slightly flushed and trying not to laugh, she stood at the bed-foot and faced Mildred Caniper fairly.
"You allow it?"
"I—like it."