CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.
After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft noticed with pain the fragile look of his friend.
“Are you well?” he asked
“I am not very strong,” said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly, “but Mrs. Crawford takes good care of me.”
“And Carl, too—he is no doubt a comfort to you?”
Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.
“Carl has been away from home for a year, he said, with an effort.
“That is strange your own son, too! Is there anything unpleasant? You may confide in me, as I am the cousin of Carl’s mother.’
“The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn’t hit it off very well.”