"
"Ah, poor Mary!" said Ethel ruefully. "I am really very troubled about
her. Her sister and brother-in-law lost all their money through that
recent bank failure, and Dr. Croft took it badly. His losses seemed to
harden him. Declaring that he could not carry on his practice in the
country without capital, he sold it and arranged to go to New Zealand,
though his wife had fallen into ill-health and could not possibly
accompany him. He went abroad, leaving her in London in wretched
lodgings. Then Mary gave up her good situation as teacher of physical
culture in a private school, and took a less remunerative appointment so
that she might live with her poor sister, and look after her, especially
at nights. I believe there is a lot of night nursing. It's awfully hard
and wearing for Mary, but she does it all so willingly, I believe she
positively enjoys it, though I cannot help being anxious lest her health
should break down."
"She must not be allowed to do double work like that," said the
colonial. "No one can work by day and night as well without breaking
down."
"But what is she to do?" queried Ethel. "She is obliged to earn money
for their maintenance."
"We might put a little in her way," suggested Vernon.
Ethel shook her head. "She is very sweet," she said, "but I fancy she
would not like to accept money as a gift."
Max Vernon assented. "Exactly," he said, "I know the sort.
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