“Mrs. Marborough, in a way you have been very fortunate,” the doctor said as he finally prepared to leave the house. “Your attack has been a light one and with proper care you should be on your feet again within a week or two. I’ll arrange to have you taken to the hospital at once.”
The widow tried to raise up in bed. “I won’t go!” she announced. “Hospitals cost money—more than I have to spend.”
“It won’t cost you anything, Mrs. Marborough. I’ll arrange everything.”
“I refuse to be a charity patient,” the widow declared defiantly. “I’ll die first! Go away and take your pills with you!”
“Then if you refuse hospital care, I must arrange for a nurse.”
“I can’t afford that either,” the old lady snapped. “Just go away and I’ll get along by myself. I’m feeling better. If I could only have a cup of tea—”
“I’ll make it for you,” Rhoda offered eagerly.
Penny signaled to the doctor, indicating that she wished him to follow her into another room. Once beyond the hearing of the old lady, she outlined a plan.
“Mrs. Marborough likes Rhoda very much,” she said to the doctor. “I think she might be perfectly satisfied to be looked after by her.”
“The girl seems sensible and efficient,” Doctor Hamilton replied. “But would she be willing to stay?”