THE IVORY TOWER
"Well, I don't mean but what she's interesting in her way too," Miss Goodenough's conscience prompted.
"Oh he knows all about her. That's all right," Mr. Betterman remarked for his nurse's benefit.
"Why of course I know it," this lady candidly answered. "Miss Mumby and I have had to feel that. I guess he'll want to send her his love," she continued across to Gray.
"To Miss Mumby?" asked Gray, his general bewilderment having moments of aggravation.
"Why no—she's sure of his affection. To Miss Gaw. Don't you want," she inquired of her patient, "to send your love to that poor anxious girl?"
"Is she anxious?" Gray returned in advance of his uncle.
Miss Goodenough hung fire but a moment. "Well, I guess I'd be in her place. But you'll see."
"Then," said Gray to his host, "if Rosanna's in trouble I'll go to her at once."
The old man, at this, once more delivered himself. "She won't be in trouble—any more than I am. But tell her—tell her———!"
"Yes, sir"—Gray had again to wait.
But Miss Goodenough now would have no more of it. "Tell her that we're about as fresh as we can live!"—the wave of her hand accompanying which Gray could take at last for his dismissal.
118
