"Not for some time yet: it would be a very unsafe operation. I should not allow it even if he were in a good deal less comfortable quarters than he is at present."
"Oh, he's comfortable enough," said Mrs. Fairchild. "The only thing is, it would be so much easier to take care of him. However, everybody is very kind, and Jeduthun would do anything for Eben, so I guess we shall make out pretty well, after all."
Mr. Antis had rather dreaded the meeting with Mr. Francis. His own conscience reproached him sorely about neglecting, or rather putting off, the alteration in the bell-rope, which would have saved all the trouble, and he had not the least idea what Mr. Francis might say or do about the matter. However, as Jeduthun said, there never was any knowing where to have the old gentleman, and if he was just as likely to be in a bad humour as a good one, why the chances were even the other way.
"We won't say any more about the matter, Mr. Antis," said he as Mr. Antis expressed his regret. "You have been invariably faithful to my interests hitherto, and I can overlook such a matter as this, I hope, especially as I have lost nothing, thanks to young Fairchild's bravery."
"That is the worst of it," said Mr. Antis. "I could have made up the loss of the money, but to think that the poor boy must suffer from my neglect."
"It is sad indeed," said Mr. Francis gravely, as Mr. Antis stopped and turned away. "No occasion to hide your feelings, Mr. Antis. They do you credit, sir."
"I am sure it will be a lesson to me all my life," said Mr. Antis, striving to regain his composure.
"We will let it be a lesson to all of us. How is the poor boy?"
"Dr. Green thought the leg would have to be taken off, but Dr. Porter and Dr. Bose say that will not be necessary. He cannot be moved, however, and they say he may have a stiff knee."
"Poor little fellow! It is a wonder he escaped with his life. Let him have every possible comfort, Mr. Antis, and spare no expense. Perhaps, as you say he cannot be moved, you had better fit up another room for his mother. I must see the good woman before I go."