“Well, he said so,” Timmy said, petulantly. “Maybe even this week.”
Jean smiled at him. “Well, if there’s nothing else you fellows want, I’ll leave you alone.”
Dr. Benson jumped up. “Just a minute, Miss Craig,” he said. “I’ll walk down the hall with you.”
Timmy watched sadly as they left the room. Once outside the room, Jean turned to the young intern.
“Something’s on your mind,” she said.
“Yeah,” Dr. Benson admitted. “I’m really worried about that kid. Where does he go from here? To some nice refined orphanage?” He scowled. “I hate to think of that boy being shoved into an institution. It could ruin a kid like him.”
Jean shrugged her shoulders. “I just don’t know,” she admitted. “But I think your viewpoint about orphanages is a very biased one. You know, there are some very wonderful ones. For instance, I visit one right outside of town on my visiting nurse days. It’s called Mercyville. The children there seem well adjusted and happy. A great many things, including orphanages, have changed since your day!”
Dr. Benson bit his lip. “Maybe,” he said. “But I’m not sold on the idea. I’d take him, myself. But how can a bachelor raise a kid? And on the salary I get here? He’s a good boy, Jean! But he’s never had a break in his life. Gee, by comparison, I was raised royally. And now to get shoved into an orphanage would be too much!”
Jean looked closely at the young doctor. For the first time since she had known him, he was seriously concerned about the future of someone beside himself.
Just then the telephone rang, and Jean raced down the corridor to answer it.