"
"Yes."
"So, you see, that is why I want you to urge Father to stay on here,"
begged Theo. "Tell him the Maine air will do me good; tell him I'll
get a fine rest keeping still; tell him--oh, tell him _anything_; only
don't let him pack up and go home, and have his whole vacation
spoiled. If you'll just get him to stay, Mr. Croyden, I will promise
not to bother, and he can go off every day and fish just as if I
weren't here."
"You are a trump, Theo."
"It--it is only that I think it's square, sir," faltered Theo.
There was not time for further discussion, for at this juncture the
door opened and Dr. Swift, followed by Manuel, entered.
Theo knew the moment for his boasted heroism had come.
He shut his lips tightly, and although the interval of anguish which
followed forced the tears from his eyes he made no outcry. But never
in his life had he experienced such pain. He did not know there was
such pain in all the world.
When it was over and, faint from suffering, he lay languidly back
among the pillows, Dr. Swift's stern face relaxed, and it was then
Theo realized for the first time that his father, too, had been
bracing himself to meet the ordeal and had also been suffering.
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