If you and the servants don't hear what's going on, you make up and tattle worse than what really happens." Mrs.Whitney gave Vagen a look of sweet resignation and Vagen responded with an expression which said: "I understand.

He is very ill.

He is not responsible.

I admire your ladylike patience." As Whitney's eyes were closed he missed this byplay.
"Here, Vagen--before you go," he drawled, waving a weary hand toward the table at his elbow.

"Here's a check for ten thousand.