"Yes, I will nurse him, and you will help me find the past."

Phoebe then begged Staines to be ready to start at six in the morning.
She and Dick would take him up on their way.

While she was talking to him the doctor slipped out, and to tell the
truth he went to consult with another authority, whether he should take
this opportunity of telling Staines that he had money and jewels at the
bank: he himself was half inclined to do so; but the other, who had not
seen Phoebe's face, advised him to do nothing of the kind. "They are
always short of money, these colonial farmers," said he; "she would get
every shilling out of him."

"Most would; but this is such an honest face."

"Well, but she is a mother, you say."

"Yes."

"Well, what mother could be just to a lunatic, with her own sweet angel
babes to provide for?"

"That is true," said Dr. ----. "Maternal love is apt to modify the
conscience."

"What I would do,--I would take her address, and make her promise to
write if he gets well, and if he does get well then write to HIM, and
tell him all about it."