“I’m going to wait right here,” Eileen said grimly, “till he’s through with his breakfast, and then I’m going to tell him he can take me out any time he wants to.”
Ethel grinned and patted her arm. “I think you ought to go to bed. You won’t feel so desperate when you’re rested.” She stood up and stretched. “I’m going up to the laboratory for a few minutes to check some of my notes. Then I’ll be upstairs in my old room if business picks up.” She started off and then turned around. “And please don’t tell Ted!”
Eileen waited a few minutes until Dr. Benson came out. She stood up and smiled. He stopped, surprised.
“Good morning, Miss Gordon,” he said. His manner was cool.
“Good morning, Doctor,” Eileen answered. “I know this isn’t a good place to go into things like this, but I’m ... I’m sorry ... well, for a lot of things. And I’d be honored ... if you still want to take me out some evening.”
The doctor stared at her. “Why, thank you very much, Miss Gordon,” he said. “I’m going to be pretty busy for a while.” He hesitated. “You see, I’d sort of like to get Timmy settled in some way, and that will take a little time, I’m afraid. But I appreciate the gesture.”
Eileen felt as if she had been slapped in the face. “Any time,” she said weakly, as she turned and sped down the corridor.
Jean came out of the dining room just as Eileen disappeared. Dr. Benson nodded to her and sat down on the bench.
“I shouldn’t be goofing off,” he said, “but I keep going around in circles about Timmy. Incidentally, what did you tell that gang at breakfast?”
Jean sat down beside him. “Honestly, Doctor, I didn’t say a word. Dr. Loring guessed the truth. I tried to change the subject, but everyone kept asking questions. You see, they really are interested in you.”