"But I mean, is it the sort that you always give, you say?"
"Always, when people deserve it. And then, do you not think it is natural to wish to give them, if you can, some other sort of pay?"
"I think it is," said Daisy, sedately.
"I am glad you do not disapprove of it."
"But I do not think people want that other kind of pay, Dr.
Sandford."
"Perhaps not. I suppose it is a selfish gratification of oneself to give it."
Daisy looked so earnestly and so curiously at him, as if to see what all this was about, that the doctor must have had good command of his lips not to smile again.
They went in to dinner just then and the conversation stopped. But though not talked to, Daisy was looked after; and when she had forgotten all about dinner, and was thinking mournfully of what was going on at home, a slice of roast beef or a nice peach would come on her plate with a word from the doctor "You are to eat that, Daisy" and though he said no more, somehow Daisy always chose to obey him. At last they went into the drawing-room again, and were drinking coffee. Daisy was somewhat comforted; she thought Dr. Sandford did not act as if there were anything very dreadful the matter at home.
"Daisy," said the doctor, "you have done work for me to-day would you object to be paid?"
Daisy looked up smiling; it dependied on what the pay might be, she thought; but she said nothing.