"I hope so."
"I fear you don't wish to leave Charleston."
"I wish to do what is best for your health."
Then a long silence followed, each busy with his own thoughts.
At last Mr. Houghton said: "It's strange we've heard nothing from those Bodines. They appear to accept their lives from your hand as a matter of course;" and the old man watched the effect of these tentative words.
George flushed, but said gently: "Dear father, try to be just, even in your enmities. I have heard from Captain Bodine, and—"
"What! have you been corresponding with them, and all that?" interrupted
Mr. Houghton irritably. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I merely replied to Mr. Bodine's note the day after the accident. Since then I have not heard from any of the rescued party, nor have I made the slightest effort to do so. Dr. Devoe said you required quiet of body and mind, and I have not done anything which would interfere with this."
"Thank you, my boy, thank you heartily. I shall owe my life more to your faithful attendance than to Dr. Devoe."
"I am glad to hear you say that, whether it is true or not. I wish you to live many years, and to take the rest to which a long and laborious life entitles you. I will show you Captain Bodine's letter if you wish."