ould
please her to have us run an expense book we'd do it, of course. She
asked what the doctor said about her condition. I told her he said she
must keep absolutely quiet and not fret about anything or she'd have an
awful relapse. That was pretty strong but I meant it that way. Answerin'
questions that haven't got any answer to 'em is too much of a strain for
ME. You try it some time yourself and see."

"I have tried it, thank you. Well, is that all? Did she tell you
anything about herself; where she has been or what she has been or what
she has been doing since her precious father died?"

"No, not a word. I was dyin' to ask her, but I didn't. She says she
wants to talk with the doctor next time he comes, that's all."

She did talk with the doctor, although not during his next call. Several
days passed before he would permit her to talk with him. Meanwhile he
and I had several talks. What he told me brought my conundrum no nearer
its answer.

She was recovering rapidly, he said, but for weeks at least her delicate
nervous organism must be handled with care. The slightest set-back
would be disastrous. He asked if we intended remaining at Bancroft's
indefinitely. I had no intentions--those I had had were wiped off my
mental slate--so I said I did not know, our future plans were vague. He
suggested a sojourn in the country, in some pleasant retired spot in the
rural districts.

"An out-of-door life, walks, rides and sports of all sorts would do your
niece a world of good, Mr. Knowles," he declared. "She needs just that.
A very attractive young lady, sir, if you'll pardon my saying so," he
went on. "Were her people Londoners, may I ask?"

He might ask but I had no intention of telling him. What I knew
concerning my "niece's" people were things not usually told to
strangers. I evaded the question.

"Has she had a recent bereavement?" he queried. "I hope you'll not
think me merely idly inquisitive. I cannot understand how a young woman,
normally healthy and well, should have been brought to such a strait.
Our English girls, Mr. Knowles, do not suffer from nerves, as I am told
your American young women so frequently do. Has your niece been in the
States with you?"

I said she had not. Incidentally I informed him that American young
women did NOT frequently suffer from nerves. He said "Really," but he
did not believe me, I'm certain. He was a good fellow, and intelligent,
but his ideas of "the States" had been gather