"I wish you did." (How could she know that my wish to see him and know him must be far stronger than hers!)
"He will be coming out here later on in the winter—are you cold?" she asked quickly, for I had shivered to cover an involuntary start.
"No, not at all; but I think it must be growing colder outside."
"It is. Cale said we might have heavy frost or snow before morning. You will find the changes in temperature very sudden and trying here in spring and autumn. About Doctor Rugvie; he is a good man, and a great one in his profession. We made his acquaintance many years ago in Scotland, in my own home, Crieff. He had lodgings with us for ten weeks, and since then he has made us proud to be counted among his friends."
She rose, stirred the fire and took a maple stick from a large wood-basket.
"Let me," I said, taking it from her.
"You really don't look strong enough."
"Oh, but I am; you 'll see."
"By the way, don't let my son do anything like this. He is often careless and over confident, and he must not strain himself—he is under strict orders." She was silent for a moment then went on:
"My son is not strong, as you must see." She looked at me appealingly, as if hoping I might dispute her statement; but I could say nothing.