His rugged face softened with pain. "My dear," he said, "don't you know that if there were any way in the world, any sacrifice——"
"Yes; I know; I know! I'm sorry. That was a rotten thing to say."
"You've taken it all like such a good sport."
"I'm trying. Let's not talk of it any more. Let's talk of the girls. Bob, how much is there to heredity?"
"Oh, Lord! Ask me to square the circle. Or make the fifth hole in one. Or something easy."
"I was just thinking. Who's going to look after them? Ralph won't be of much use. He's too detached."
"Well, the family physician can be of service in some ways," he said slowly. "Particularly if he chances to be a family friend, too."
"Would you?" she cried eagerly. "They'll be a handful. Any modern girl is. But I'd rest easier, knowing you were on the job. Speaking of resting, I had rather a rotten night last night."
"What were you doing in the evening?"
"We had a little poker party here in the room."