"Yes. All doctors are fools. The old gentleman's head is as clear as mine. What difference does it make if he does not recognise people he only half knows? He understands everything connected with the business, and that is the principal thing. After all, what has he to do? He signs his name to the papers that are put before him. That is all. He could do that if he really had softening of the brain, as they pretend he has. As for electing another president at the present moment it is out of the question."
"Yes, so I should suppose," said Dolly.
John turned sharply upon her.
"So you should suppose? Why should you suppose any such thing?"
"I have heard that the Company is in trouble," answered Dolly, calmly.
John opened his lips as though he were about to make a sharp answer, but checked himself and turned away.
"Yes," he said more quietly, "I suppose that news is public property by this time. There they are," he added, as his ear caught the distant tinkle of the door bell.
"Shall I go?" asked Dolly for the third time.
"No," answered Darche, "I will go out and meet them. Stay here please. I will send my wife to you presently."