“She won't stay long, Phrasie,” he answered, and added mischievously, “for a very good reason.”
“And what's that?” asked Euphrasia.
“Because you won't allow her to. I have a notion that she'll pack up and leave in about three days, and that all the doctors in Ripton couldn't keep her here.”
“Get along with you,” said Euphrasia, who could not for the life of her help looking a little pleased.
“I'm going off for a few hours,” he said more seriously. “Dr. Tredway tells me they do not look for any developments—for the worse.”
“Where are you going?” asked Euphrasia, sharply.
“To Fairview,” he said.
Euphrasia moved the kettle to another part of the stove.
“You'll see her?” she said.
“Who?” Austen asked. But his voice must have betrayed him a little, for Euphrasia turned and seized him by the elbows and looked up into his face.