"
"Mumps!" everybody said together, and Mr. Sam looked at his
brother-in-law.
"Kid in the play got 'em, and they spread around," Mr. Pierce explained.
"Nasty disease."
"Why, you've just had them, too, Dicky!" said his wife. They all turned
to look at him, and I must say his expression was curious.
Luckily, I had the wit to knock over the breakfast basket, which was
still there, and when we'd gathered up the broken china, Mr. Dick had
got himself in hand.
"I'm sorry, old man," he said to Mr. Pierce, "but I'm not in favor of
bringing Miss--the person you speak of--up to the sanatorium just now.
Mumps, you know--very contagious, and all that."
"She's over that part," Mr. Pierce said; "she only needs to rest."
"Certainly--let her come," said Mrs. Dicky. "If they're as contagious as
all that, you haven't been afraid of MY getting them."
"I--I'm not in favor of it," Mr. Dick insisted, looking obstinate.
"The minute you bring an actress here you've got the whole place by the
ears."
"Fiddlesticks!" said his sister. "Because any actress could set YOU by
the ears--"
Mrs. Dick sat up suddenly.
"Certainly, if she isn't well bring her up," said Miss Patty.
"Only--won't she know your name is not Carter?"
"She's discretion itself," Mr. Pierce said. "Her salary hasn't been
paid for a month, and as I'm responsible, I'd be glad to see her looked
after."
"I don't want her here. I'll--I'll pay her board at the hotel," Mr. Dick
began, "only for heaven's sake, don't--"
He stopped, for every one was staring.
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