CHAPTER IX 

DOCTOR PATSY 

Next morning Uncle John and the Weldons--including the precious baby--went for a ride into the mountains, while Beth and Patsy took their embroidery into a sunny corner of the hotel lobby. 

It was nearly ten o'clock when A. Jones discovered the two girls and came tottering toward them. Tottering is the right word; he fairly swayed as he made his way to the secluded corner. 

"I wish he'd use a cane," muttered Beth in an undertone. "I have the feeling that he's liable to bump his nose any minute." 

Patsy drew up a chair for him, although he endeavored to prevent her. 

"Are you feeling better this morning?" she inquired. 

"I--I think so," he answered doubtfully. "I don't seem to get back my strength, you see." 

"Were you stronger before your accident?" asked Beth. 

"Yes, indeed. I went swimming, you remember. But perhaps I was not strong enough to do that. I--I'm very careful of myself, yet I seem to grow weaker all the time." 

There was a brief silence, during which the girls plied their needles. 

"Are you going to stay in this hotel?" demanded Patsy, in her blunt way. 

"For a time, I think. It is very pleasant here," he said. 

"Have you had breakfast?" 

"I took a food-tablet at daybreak." 

"Huh!" A scornful exclamation. Then she glanced at the open door of the dining-hall and laying aside her work she rose with a determined air and said: 

"Come with me!" 

"Where?" 

For answer she assisted him to rise. Then she took his hand and marched him across the lobby to the dining room. 
Who got him a chair?
Patsy drew up a chair for him, although he endeavored to prevent her. 
