Chapter 83

“I’m sorry, George. I wish I had better news for you.”

“She was doing so well.” He wouldn’t let tears fall. It would scare his sisters if they saw him weeping.

“Perhaps it’s living in this tenement.”

The cramped apartment seemed to have gotten worse in the weeks they’d been away.

George didn’t know what to do. He no longer had a job—Doggett had taken great pleasure in telling him he was fired when he showed up for work after they’d returned home from the country.

“Is this really the end?”

“I’m afraid so. The tincture isn’t helping, even though I was uncertain it would. It isn’t healthy for the children to remain here either. After…come to me after, George. I’ll do what I can to help you.”

“Thank you.” He watched dry-eyed as the doctor left the shabby apartment.

“Georgie.” Little Thomas tugged on his trouser leg. “Up.”

He stooped and caught his brother under the arms and hugged him.

“Oh, Little Bit. What are we going to do?”