human
Mother! Mother! My little mother--you're sick, you're really _sick_, and I didn't know and I spoke so harshly. Oh, what _is_ it, what is it, mother dear?
gpt
Bad--cold, Mrs. Golden whispered.
human
I started coughing last night--I closed the door--you didn't hear me; you were in the other room-- Another cough wheezed dismally, shook her, gurgled in her yellow deep-lined neck.
gpt
C-could I have--window closed now?
human
No. I'm going to be your nurse. Just an awfully cranky old nurse, and so scientific. And you must have fresh air. Her voice broke.
gpt
Oh, and me sleeping away from you! I'll never do it again. I don't know what I _would_ do if anything happened to you.... Do you feel any headache, dear?
human
No--not--not so much as-- Side pains me--here.
gpt
My pulse--it's so fast--so hard breathing--side pain.
human
I'll put on an ice compress and then I'll go and get a doctor.
gpt
Oh no, no, no! Not a doctor! Not a doctor! she croaked.
human
Doctor Smyth will be busy.
gpt
Well, I'll have him come when he's through.
human
Oh no, no, can't afford--
gpt
Why--
human
And--they scare you so--he'd pretend I had pneumonia, like Sam's sister--he'd frighten me so--I just have a summer cold. I--I'll be all right to-morrow, deary. Oh no, no, _please_ don't, please don't get a doctor. Can't afford it--can't--
gpt
My brave, brave little mother!