" Caroline rose and turned to go. "Thank you, Captain Warren," she
said. "I will tell Doctor Henry to take the case at once."
The captain did not answer immediately. With his chin in his hand he was
gazing at the floor.
"Good afternoon," said Caroline.
Her uncle looked up.
"Er--Wait just a minute, Caroline," he said. "I guess maybe, if you
don't mind, I'd like to think this over a little afore you go too far.
You have your doctor go right ahead and see to the old man, and you
order the things to eat and whatever's necessary. But afore you give
Annie or her father any money, I'd kind of like to figger a little
mite."
His niece stopped short, turned and stared at him.
"Oh!" she said, slowly and icily, "I see. Please don't trouble yourself.
I should have known. However, my allowance is my own, and I presume I am
permitted to do what I please with that."
"Caroline, don't be hasty. I ain't sayin' no about the money. Far from
it. I only--"
"I understand--thoroughly. Don't trouble to 'figure,' as you call it.
Oh! WHY did I humiliate myself? I should have known!"
"Caroline, please--"
But the girl had gone, closing the door after her. Captain Elisha shook
his head, heaved a deep sigh, and then, sinking back into his chair,
relapsed into meditation.
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