Was it by the advice of a competent physician you subjected her to such a regimen ?" "I've always had medical advice for her when it was needed," snapped Mrs.
Scrimp.
The captain re-entered the room at that moment.

He had made short work with Mr.Fox, paying his bill, and sending him away with his ears tingling from a well-merited rebuke for his savage treatment of a defenceless child.
It was Mrs.Scrimp's turn now; there was no evading the direct, pointed questions of the captain, and she was compelled to acknowledge that she had followed out her own theories in the treatment of Gracie, instead of consulting a physician, even after he had directed her to seek medical advice and treat the child in careful accordance with it.
"Well, madam," he remarked with much sternness and indignation, "if my little girl is an invalid for life, I shall always feel that you are responsible for it." "I've been a mother to your children, Capt.

Raymond," she exclaimed, growing white with anger, "and this is your gratitude!" "A mother!" he said, glancing from her to Vi, "I hope there are few such mothers in the world.

My poor starved baby! papa's heart aches to think of what you have had to endure," he added in moved tones, the big tears shining in his eyes, as he lifted Gracie on his knees and fondled her tenderly.
Mrs.Scrimp rose and took an abrupt and indignant leave, her bill having been already settled..