“By the way, doctor, who was that old lady, all bent up double in shawls and things, whom you were taking out for an airing?”
Guy looked up quickly, wondering where Agnes could have seen the doctor, who, conscious of a sudden pang, answered, naturally:
“That old lady, bent double and bundled in shawls, was young Maddy Clyde, to whom I thought a short ride might do good.”
“Oh, yes; that patient about whom Jessie has gone mad. I am glad to have seen her.”
There was unmistakable irony in her voice now, and turning from her to Guy, the doctor continued:
“The old man was telling me to-day of your kindness in saving his house from being sold. It was like you, Guy; and I wish I, too, had the means to be generous, for they are so very poor.”
“I’ll tell you,” said Jessie, who had stolen to the doctor’s side, and lain her fat, bare arm upon his shoulder, as if he had been Guy. “You might give Maddy the doctor’s bill. I remember how mamma cried, and said she never could pay papa’s bill when it was sent in.”
“Jessie!” said Agnes and Guy, simultaneously, while the doctor laughingly pulled one of her long, bright curls.
“Yes, I could do that. I’d thought of it, but they might not accept it, as they are proud as well as poor.”
“Mr. Markham has no one to care for but his wife and this Madeline, has he?” Agnes asked, and the doctor replied: