"Only time can tell."
"It is too dreadful," commented Mrs. Bennett. "I like Major Goddard so much, and to think of his being helpless the rest of his life is most distressing. Will you let him receive company, Doctor? Because I would like to go and read to him."
Boyd scanned Mrs. Bennett intently, without replying to her last remark. Why this sudden interest in Goddard? It behooved him to find out.
"And I want to send him some jellies," volunteered Mrs. Arnold. "What is his address, Doctor?"
"At present he is occupying Captain Lloyd's rooms at Mrs. Lane's boarding house on F Street across from the Ebbitt." Boyd hesitated for a perceptible moment. Would it be wise to allow Mrs. Bennett to interview Goddard? Would she be able to worm any information about Nancy's adventures in Winchester from the Major?
"Perhaps Captain Lloyd would not like our calling," suggested Mrs. Arnold, breaking the slight pause.
"Oh, Lloyd is not in town now, though Goddard expects him back some time next week."
"Did Major Goddard make the trip from Winchester alone?" asked Mrs. Bennett in surprise.
"No. Miss Newton and her niece looked after him, with the assistance of a man they called 'Symonds.' I met them at the station, and took Goddard to his rooms, and engaged an attendant for him, as he cannot get about without a body-servant now."
"From last accounts, Nancy Newton has behaved abominably to John," began Mrs. Arnold angrily. "She is a miserable flirt...."