That afternoon, as Annie was walking to the village, the doctor drove up to
the sidewalk, and stopped near her. "Miss Kilburn, I've got a letter from
home. They write me about my mother in a way that makes me rather anxious,
and I shall run down to Chelsea this evening."
"Oh, I'm sorry for your bad news. I hope it's nothing serious."
"She's old; that's the only cause for anxiety. But of course I must go."
"Oh yes, indeed. I do hope you'll find all right with her."
"Thank you very much. I'm sorry that I must leave Putney at such a time.
But I leave him with Mr. Peck, who's promised to be with him. I thought
you'd like to know."
"Yes, I do; it's very kind of you--very kind indeed."
"Thank you," said the doctor. It was not the phrase exactly, but it served
the purpose of the cordial interest in which they parted as well as
another.