The task was likely to be a
long one. The late broker's affairs were in a muddled state, the books
were anything but clear, some of the investments were foreign, and, at
the very earliest, months must elapse before the executor and trustee
could know, for certain, just how large a property he was in charge of.
He found some solace and forgetfulness of the unpleasant life he was
leading in helping the stricken Moriarty family. Annie, the maid at the
apartment, he swore to secrecy. She must not tell Miss Caroline of his
visits to her parents' home. Doctor Henry, also, though he could not
understand why, promised silence. Caroline herself had engaged his
services in the case, and he was faithful. But the patient was more
seriously hurt than at first appeared, and consultations with a
specialist were necessary.
"Goin' to be a pretty expensive job, ain't it, Doctor?" asked the
captain of the physician.
"Rather, I'm afraid."
"All right. If expense is necessary, don't be afraid of it. You do just
what you'd ought to, and send the bill to me."
"But Miss Warren insisted upon my sending it to her. She said it was a
private matter, and one with which you, as her guardian, had nothing to
do."
"I know. Caroline intends to use her own allowance, I s'pose.
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