‘a’ had your place all ready fer ye, Doctah. The’ is a featheh bade up garret, if ye could tote hit down an’ drap on the floor here fer — ”

David laughed cheerily. “Why, this is nothing for me.” He stood turning himself about to dry his clothing on all sides before the blaze. “As soon as Miss Cassandra closes her eyes and sleeps, I will look after myself. It’s a shame to bring all these wet things in here, I say!”

“You are a-steamin’ like you are a steam engine,” piped little Hoyle, peering at him over his mother’s shoulder from the far corner of her bed.

“You lie down and go to sleep again, youngster,” said David.