"It's a step I intend to take," he grinned. "If you must go, I'm at your service."
"I wish you wouldn't," objected Sylvia, but she let him wrap her long moss green cloak about her and in a moment they were out in the keen November air under the stars. Neither said anything until they were at the steps of the Hall. Then suddenly Doctor Tom spoke.
"Sylvia, how did you know I had the blue devils to-night?" he demanded.
"Did you?" parried Sylvia. There was something different about Doctor Tom to-night; a queer, tense something in his voice she wasn't used to.
"You know I did. You played to 'em--charmed 'em, as I said."
"I'm glad," said Sylvia. "Glad I charmed them, I mean. You need a rest, Doctor Tom. You are going a pace that would kill any man who wasn't as strong as an ox."
He laughed a little grimly.
"Well, Miss Nestor, any more sage advice to offer your grandfather? Just how am I going to shunt the world I happen to have on my shoulders at present?"
"Just drop it off. You could if you had to. Why don't you and Lois go on a vacation? Felicia and I will look after the babies."
"Thanks, Miss Christmas. That is like you and mighty kind, but do you see Lois letting anybody--the angel Gabriel himself--look after the babies for her?"