“But you must not ask such questions, precious,” said Maria. “When you are grown up you will see why.”
Harry insisted upon Evelyn's going to bed directly after dinner, although she pleaded hard to be allowed to sit up until her mother returned. Harry wished for at least a few moments alone with Maria. So Evelyn went off up-stairs, after teary kisses and good-nights, and Maria was left alone with her father in the parlor.
“You are not well, father?” Maria said, immediately after Evelyn had closed the door.
“No, dear,” replied Harry, simply.
Maria retained her self-composure very much as her mother might have done. A quick sense of the necessity of aiding her father, of supporting him spiritually, came over her.
“What doctor have you seen, father?” she asked.
“The doctor here and three specialists in New York.”
“And they all agreed?”
“Yes, dear.”
Maria looked interrogatively at her father. Her face was very white and shocked, but it did not quiver. Harry answered the look.