"Not at all, I should say," returned Tom; "but Miss Lothrop is very much confined with her. She will be very glad to see you, I have no doubt. Allow me to see about your room." And so saying, he would have relieved the new comer of a heavy handbag.
"Never mind," she said, holding fast. "You're very obliging—but when I'm away from home I always hold fast to whatever I've got; and I'll go to Miss Lothrop's room. Are there more folks in the house?"
"Certainly. Several. This way—I will show you."
"Then I s'pose there's plenty to help nurse, and they have no call for me?"
"I think Miss Lothrop has done the most of the nursing. Your coming will set her a little more at liberty. She has been very much confined with her sick friend."
"What have the other folks been about?"
"Not helping much, I am afraid. And of course a man is at a disadvantage at such a time."
"Are they all men?" inquired Mrs. Marx suddenly.
"No—I was thinking of my own case. I would have been very glad to be useful."
"O!" said the lady. "That's the sort o' world we live in; most of it ain't good for much when it comes to the pinch. Thank you—much obliged."