“Come and let a fellow in,” he said in a low tone, and when he stood in the hall he clutched Phebe's arm, whispering gruffly, “How is Rose?”
“Thanks be to goodness, she's better,” answered Phebe, with a smile that was like broad sunshine to the poor lad's anxious heart.
“And she will be all right again to-morrow?”
“Oh, dear no! Dolly says she's sure to have rheumatic fever, if she don't have noo-monia!” answered Phebe, careful to pronounce the word rightly this time.
Down went Mac's face, and remorse began to gnaw at him again as he gave a great sigh and said doubtfully,
“I suppose I couldn't see her?”
“Of course not at this time of night, when we want her to go to sleep!”
Mac opened his mouth to say something more, when a sneeze came upon him unawares, and a loud “Ah rash hoo!” awoke the echoes of the quiet house.
“Why didn't you stop it?” said Phebe reproachfully. “I dare say you've waked her up.”
“Didn't know it was coming. Just my luck!” groaned Mac, turning to go before his unfortunate presence did more harm.