"Sit down, Barbara," he said, "I want to talk to you. There is nothing the matter with Marjorie or Beverly either. They have had a long ride, and stopped at Mammy's for waffles. I want to ask you a favor. I have just received some important news, which will necessitate my going West at once, and I want you to let Beverly go with me." Mrs. Randolph was very much surprised. "But, George dear," she remonstrated gently, "college begins again on Monday--do you think it wise to take the boy away just now?" "I shall not be gone more than a week, and I want Beverly for company. He has never seen much of his own country, and this trip to Arizona will do him an immense amount of good. As for college, a few days more or less won't make any material difference, and he can make up for lost time when he gets back." Mrs. Randolph still looked doubtful, but the doctor was Beverly's guardian, and since her husband's death she had been accustomed to depend upon his judgment and advice. So instead of arguing the point, she only said: "Of course he may go if you think best, George, only it does seem foolish to take him away so soon again after his holidays." "I do think it best, Barbara," said the doctor, decidedly. "I want the boy with me very much. I must start as soon as possible. Do you think you could persuade Emma Patterson to go home with you and Marjorie to-morrow, and stay till Beverly and I come back?" "I can try," said Mrs. Randolph, who was still unconvinced of the wisdom of this sudden whim of her brother-in-law's, and a little uneasy as well. "Emma has promised to visit us later; perhaps she would be willing to come now instead. You know, George dear, I never ask you about your cases, but this seems so very sudden--are you going to see a patient?" "Yes," said the doctor, quietly. "I may be able to tell you more about the case when I come back, but I cannot now." Mrs. Randolph regarded him anxiously. "I am afraid you are not well, George," she said, "you are dreadfully pale. Is that why you don't want to take this long journey alone?" "Not exactly. I am perfectly well, but--well, the fact is, this may prove a very trying business, and I want the boy with me." "Then you shall certainly have him," said Mrs. Randolph, with decision. "Have you spoken to Beverly on the subject?" "Yes, and he is most anxious to go. Now I must make arrangements about accommodations on the train, for I want to be off early in the morning, if possible. Wouldn't it be a good idea to telephone Emma Patterson at once, and see if she can be ready to go with you and Marjorie?" Mrs. Randolph stood for a moment, looking after her brother-in-law as he left the room.