"Not much later than yesterday, did he? Well, I must find her nearest relative or friend. Are you either?"
Katie's face lengthened.
"Och, doctor," she said, "you don't mean to—but it can't be that there's goin' to be a baby!"
The young interne grinned. Then, serious again, he answered:
"No, there is not. I only wish it was so simple. Where are her folks?"
"She's none in the world, an' no money. The hard truth is, doctor, that it's a charity-patient she'll have to be."
"That's all right; but are you her nearest friends?"
"Yes, doctor."
"That'll do, I guess. She's a nervous wreck—among other things. We've first of all got to get her round from that condition, and then I'll have to secure either her own or your permission, as her nearest friends, to do something more."
"More?" repeated Katie. "Ain't it bad enough as it is? What more do you mean to do to the poor—girl?"