think you'll find him a quiet little chap."

"Yes. And he isn't able to half look after himself when he's well, to
say nothin' of when he's sick. Anybody--any woman, anyhow--could tell
that just by lookin' at him. And I've brought up a father, so I've had
experience. He'll stay right here in the spare bedroom to-night--yes,
and to-morrow night, too, if you think he'd better. Now don't talk any
more rubbish, but go in and tell him so."

Her hand was on the latch of the sitting room door when the doctor asked
one more question.

"Say, Martha," he asked, "this is not my business, but as a friend of
yours I--Tell me: Cap'n Jim--your father, I mean--didn't put more money
than he could spare in that Development scheme, did he? I mean you,
yourself, aren't--er--likely to be embarrassed in case--in case--"

Miss Phipps interrupted hastily, almost too hastily, so Doctor Powers
thought.

"No, no, of course not," she said.

"Truly, Martha? I'm only asking as a friend, you know."

"Why, of course. There now, doctor, don't you worry about me. You know
what father and I were to each other; is it likely he would leave me
in trouble of any kind? Now come in and see if Primmie has talked this
little sick man of ours into another faintin' fit."

Primmie had not, but the "little sick man" came, apparently, very near