Merriam turned to face the three women.
When Aunt Mary heard the news about George, she held out her hand to Simpson for the telegraph forms and wrote.
In a moment she read:
"'Ill with a touch of bronchitis. Hope to be back to-morrow. John Merriam.' Will that do?"
"I suppose so," he assented.
His words were almost drowned by a loud knock at the door.
"Our day has begun," said Aunt Mary, rising with admirable composure. She handed the telegram to Simpson. "Send it at once. Into the bedroom, Mr. Merriam. Get into bed as soon as you can. You have bronchitis, you know,--not lumbago."
But before Merriam could obey the door was suddenly opened.
CHAPTER XIII
A CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT