“Going on all right, doctor?”
“Yes, thanks,” replied the medical man, walking rapidly through the passage, and brushing his hat the while. “Busy though! Up to my eyes in work.”
“I was referring more particularly to my young sister.”
“Oh! she! Oh! it’s what might be expected. Hideous occupation, I call it. One of those manufactures that might well be left to foreigners. Good day!”
“One moment,” said Erb, placing a hand on the doctor’s arm, and speaking with great anxiety. “Tell us exactly what you mean in plain language. Ought she to be sent away again?”
“You don’t want to waste money,” said the doctor, glancing at his watch.
“If it’s necessary for her health, I’d spend the last penny I’ve got.”
“Would you really?” The doctor seemed genuinely surprised. “Well, then, perhaps she might get away to the country or the seaside or somewhere.”
“May be the means of saving her life?”
“Oh, no,” said the doctor cheerfully. “I wouldn’t go so far as that.”