She tried again to slip away, but
Martha's strong hand detained her, bore her down into the place she had
just vacated.
"How is Francie?" inquired Mr. Ronald, taking the chair Mrs. Slawson
placed for him.
"_Fine_--thank you, sir. The doctors says they never see a child get
well so fast. She's grown so fat an' big, there ain't a thing belongs to
her will fit her any longer, they're all shorter, an' she has to go
whacks with Cora on her clo'es."
"Perhaps she'd enjoy a little run out into the country this afternoon in
my car. The other children, too? And--possibly--Miss Lang."
"I'm sure they'd all thank you kindly, sir," began Martha, when--"I'm
sorry," said Claire coldly, "I can't go."
Mr. Ronald did not urge her. "It is early. We have plenty of time to
discuss the ride later," he observed quietly. "Meanwhile, what I have in
mind, Martha, is this: Mr. Slawson has been at the Sanatorium now
for--?"
"Goin' on five months," said Martha.
"And the doctors think him improved?"
"Well, on the whole, yes, sir.
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