Page:Ballinger Price--The Happy Venture.djvu/36

22 "There was a letter—this morning," Felicia said, faintly.

"It might be well to find the letter, in order to ascertain the exact nature of the shock," said the doctor.

Ken went to his mother's room and searched her desk. He came back presently with a legal envelop, and his face was blank and half uncomprehending. The doctor took the paper from him and skimmed the contents.

"Ah—hm. 'United Stock the mine having practically run out  war causing further depreciation  regret to inform you,  hm, yes. My dear young people, it appears from this that your mother has lost a good deal of money—possibly all her money. I should advise your seeing her attorney at once. Undoubtedly he will be able to make a satisfactory adjustment."

He handed the paper back to Ken, who took it mechanically. Then, with the information that it would be necessary for their mother to go to a sanitorium to recuperate, and that he would send them a most capable nurse immediately, the doctor slipped out—a neat little figure, stepping along lightly on his toes.