CHAPTER XII.
A NEW SCHEME,

HAVE: said that Willie’s father and mother
used to talk without restraint in his presence.
They had no fear of Willie’s committing an indis-
cretion by repeating what he heard. One day at
dinner the following conversation took place be-
tween them.

“T’ve had a letter from my mother, John,” said
Mrs Macmichael to her husband. “It’s wonderful
how well she manages to write, when she sees so
badly.”

“She might see well enough—at least a great
deal better—if she would submit to an operation,”
said the doctor.

“At her age, John!” returned his wife in an
expostulatory tone. “Do you really think it worth
while—for the few years that are left her?”

“Worth while to see well for a few years!” ex-
claimed the doctor. ‘ Indeed, I do.”

“But there’s another thing I want to talk to
you about now,” said Mrs Macmichael. “Since old.