“Well, now, for a year I see nothing but for you to manage with very little and maybe not that. You own this house.”
“Of course!” from the scornful Helen. “We can easily keep house here while our parents are away.”
“But, Helen, keep house on what?” asked Douglas.
“Why, just keep house! Just go on living here.”
“But when Father stops working, there is no more money. Can’t you see?”
“Well, then, we will have to charge.”
“Yes, charge on, and when your father gets well, if he does get well, he will have an accumulation of bills to meet which will be so good for his health, won’t it?” The young man looked the scorn which he felt for Helen and addressed all of his remarks after that to Douglas, who listened attentively and gratefully. She well knew it was no pleasant task for him to plunge into their financial affairs, but he explained to her that it was important for his patient to leave town immediately if the change was to come in time, and that left no opportunity for them to consult the friends and relatives who would be the natural ones to go to in this predicament.
“Your mother wishes you to act in her stead and your father is to give you power of attorney so you can attend to any business for him. Can I trust you to get them ready, without bustle and confusion, by to-night? They can take the train to New York leaving here at eight. They can take a boat to the Bermudas and Panama which sails to-morrow. I will go to New York with them and see that they get off safely.”
“Oh, you are very kind,” murmured Douglas.