Winifred's eyes sank.
"N—no, sir," she faltered, "mother's out shopping, and doesn't know anything about it. Perhaps I oughtn't to have come, but I didn't know what else to do, and I was so very sorry for Betty and Jack."
Winifred's lip quivered, and two big tears rolled slowly down her cheeks. The doctor patted her shoulder kindly.
"You did quite right to come," he said, "and I will go to see your friend to-day."
"Will you please go just as soon as you can?" Winifred asked eagerly.
The doctor rose and looked at his watch.
"It is half-past ten now," he said. "I have to stay in my office till eleven, and then I have one or two serious cases to see, but I will be at Mrs. Randall's as early as I possibly can."
"Now run along home, and if your mother makes any objections, tell her I said you did quite right to come, and that I am very glad you did."
"Oh, thank you, sir, thank you very much indeed," said Winifred gratefully, and the look she gave the doctor said more than any words could have done. With a sudden impulse, he bent and kissed her.
"You dear little girl," he said. And then another patient was announced, and Winifred hurried away.