“I will do my best,” she said.
“That’s well,” said Asher, giving his white hands a soft rub together as he smiled from one to the other. “‘What can’t be cured must be endured,’ young ladies; but I do not say that this cannot be cured. We will do our best, but the patient must be made to help. Does he take his medicine regularly?”
Claude shook her head.
“I thought not. Flies to it, I suppose, when he feels bad, and neglects it at other times.”
“But that other medicine, doctor—the chloral which he takes—is it good for him?”
Asher shook his head.
“Then why do you let him have it?”
“My dear young lady, is not that rather unreasonable? Now, look here; supposing I were to say, ‘Mr Gartram, chloral is ruining your system,’ what would he reply?”
Claude shook her head.
“I appeal to you, Miss Dillon; what do you think your uncle would say?”