“Well, madam,” replied the physician, with unusual tenderness of tone, and looking at Richling while he spoke, “of course you’ll do as you think best.”
“Oh! my poor Reisen!” exclaimed the wife, wringing her hands.
“Yes,” said the physician, rising and looking out of the window, “I am afraid it will be ruin to Reisen.”
“No, it won’t be such a thing,” said Mrs. Reisen, turning this way and that in her chair as the physician moved from place to place. “Mr. Richlin’,”—turning to him,—“Mr. Richlin’ and me kin run the business yust so good as Reisen.” She shifted her distressed gaze back and forth from Richling to the Doctor. The latter turned to Richling:—
“I’ll have to leave this matter to you.”
Richling nodded.
“Where is Reisen?” asked the Doctor. “In his own room, upstairs?” The three passed through an inner door.