They both reached the doorway at the same instant, and there was not room there for the broad-shouldered doctor and any one else; so he turned, and they faced each other.
“Won’t you let me help you?” he said. “I don’t know how to explain—it has come so suddenly. Of course, I know you don’t—of course, you can’t—but—”
“It’s the lunch,” said Miss Ryan. “You’re so glad to get a decent meal.”
“It’s not!” he denied indignantly. “It’s—if you’d only just come here twice a day, and stand in the hall and smile when I come in!”
Then they both began to laugh.
“It’s not a joke, though,” said Dr. Joe.
“I know it,” said she. “I didn’t mean to be silly and horrid; only, until grandma comes back—”
The doorbell rang again. This time Molly got ahead of him, and ran down the passage.
“Grandma!” she cried, as she opened the door.
Katie entered with a bland smile.