go to the devil for the simple reason that the devil hasn't anything
to offer them that they don't already possess. And so, Mary, I came
back here to see if you'd take me in. You and Tom have been my best,
my only real friends, and I--I thought you'd give me another chance.
If you feel even now that I am going to be too much bother and
expense, I'll get out. I'll go to a hospital and--"

"Not another word, Uncle Joe," said Mary Bingle, and she kissed his
grim old cheek. "Not another word."

"Thank you, Mary, thank you for that. I--I was just wondering whether
you could stand all of the expense and--"

Melissa broke in sharply: "Of course, we can. My wages can go over
till--"

"And you will not turn me out?" whispered Uncle Joe, his eyes shining.

"Never!" said Mrs. Bingle.

"Never!" said the maid-of-all-work.

Mr. Hooper turned over on his side and was strangely quiet after that.
His nephew came home at three and found himself confronted by two
nurses, two doctors and a cabman who was waiting in the hallway for
his fare. It seemed that Uncle Joe had driven home in a cab, and being
somewhat uncertain as to the duration of his stay in the apartment of
his nephew, instructed the fellow to wait, which the fellow did for a
matter of more than three hours and was prepared to wait a good while
longer unless he got his pay. Uncle Joe's forgetfulness cost Mr.