"I don't thing it as horrid for a girl to assume that every man is in
love with her friend as it would be if she assumed something else," said
James. He knew that his speech was ungallant; but it seemed to him that
this girl fairly challenged him to rudeness. But she looked at him
innocently.

"Oh, no, I never should think that," said she. "Being with two women so
very beautiful as my mother and Annie so much makes me quite sure that
nobody is thinking of me. It is only sometimes that I feel a little like
a piece of furniture, only chairs can't walk into rooms." She ended with
a girlish laugh. Then her face suddenly sobered. "Doctor Elliot, I want
you to tell me something," said she. "Uncle Tom wouldn't if I asked him,
and I don't dare ask him anyway. Do you think mother is very well?"

James hesitated. "You ought to tell me," Clemency said imperatively.

"I have thought sometimes that she did not look quite well," said James.

"What do you think the matter is?"

"It may be indigestion."

"Do you think it is?"

"I don't know. Doctor Gordon has told me nothing, and Mrs. Ewing has
told me nothing."

"I thought doctors could tell from a person's looks."