After Dark, Wilkie Collins [best short novels .txt] 📗

"I know you did, sir," I replied. "But what was a poor travelingportrait-painter like my husband, who lives by taking likenessesfirst in one place and then in another, to do? Our bread dependedon his using his eyes, at the very time when you warned him tolet them have a rest."

"Have you no other resources? No money but the money Mr. Kerbycan get by portrait-painting?" asked the doctor.

"None," I answered, with a sinking at my heart as I thought ofhis bill for medical attendance.

"Will you pardon me?" he said, coloring and looking a littleuneasy, "or, rather, will you ascribe it to the friendly interestI feel in you, if I ask whether Mr. Kerby realizes a comfortableincome by the practice of his profession? Don't," he went onanxiously, before I could reply--"pray don't think I make thisinquiry from a motive of impertinent curiosity!"

I felt quite satisfied that he could have no improper motive forasking the question, and so answered it at once plainly and