“I don’t believe I have asked after your daughter. I trust she is well?”
“She is quite well, thank you. I put her to bed just before you came in.”
With his hand on the knob of the door, Doctor Langtry again paused irresolutely.
“If it’s not too much trouble,” he asked, “I wish you would go up-stairs and make sure she is all right now.”
Wondering at his request and at his manner, Mrs. Ruttan complied, and presently returned to report that the child was sleeping peacefully. Doctor Langtry bowed with an air of obvious relief, bade her good night, and left the house. But next day, after he had transacted his business, and was about to start for Toronto, he said to Mr. Ruttan, who had accompanied him to the train:
“Ruttan, if your little girl should happen to fall ill while away from home, go to her at once, and take Mrs. Ruttan with you, even if you have no reason to feel that the illness is serious.”
Mr. Ruttan laughed.
“Of course we would go to her. You may be sure of that. But why—”
“Ask me no questions,” said Doctor Langtry, “but bear my request in mind if the occasion should arise.”