'When is that girl going?'
The doctor patted him on the arm.
'Not yet, Rodman,' he said in a low, understanding voice. 'No need to worry yourself about that. Mustn't be moved for days and days and days—I might almost say weeks and weeks and weeks.'
'Weeks and weeks!' cried James.
'And weeks,' said Dr Brady. He prodded James roguishly in the abdomen. 'Good luck to you, my boy, good luck to you,' he said.
It was some small consolation to James that the mushy physician immediately afterward tripped over William on his way down the path and broke his stethoscope. When a man is up against it like James every little helps.
He was walking dismally back to the house after this conversation when he was met by the apple-cheeked housekeeper.
'The little lady would like to speak to you, sir,' said the apple-cheeked exhibit, rubbing her hands.
'Would she?' said James hollowly.