Rose spoke, gently, for all.
"You sent for us, Mr. Rockharrt. We are all here, and we hope that you are much better," she said.
"Oh, you do! Stand there—all three of you at the foot of the bed, so that I can see you without turning."
The three women obeyed, placing themselves in line as he had directed, and perceived that he lay upon the flat of his back, looking straight before him, because he could not turn on either side without great pain.
He scanned them and then said:
"Ah, Violet, you are there! You have a proper sense of duty, my girl. So you have come to see how it is with me yourself, eh?"
"Yes, father; and also to stay and help to nurse you, it I may be permitted to do so."
"Rubbish! My wife can nurse me. It is her place. I don't want a lot of other women around me! I won't have more than one in the room with me at a time! Violet, get into your carriage and return to your home."
"Oh, papa, how have I offended you?"
"Not in any way as yet; but you will offend me if you disobey me. You must go home at once. You are not in a condition to be of any service here. You would only injure your own health, and distract the attention of these women from me. Wherever there is a lot of women, there is sure to be more talk than duty. So you must go. When I get well, and you get strong again, you may come and stay as long as you like. So, now, bid me good-by and be off with yourself."