"What!Haven't you ever had your temperature tried?Well,you have been a healthy little girl!All the better.Just take it under your tongue,and don't speak for a minute,please.""Please don't ask me to.I can't."
"There's nothing to be afraid of.It won't hurt you."The doctor smiled.
"I know what that is now,"said Jewell,regarding the little tube."Aman was cured of paralysis once by having a thing like that stuck in his mouth.He thought it was meant to cure him.I haven't paralysis."The doctor began to consider that perhaps Mr.Evringham had not exaggerated."Come,Jewel,"he said kindly."I thought we were such good friends.You are wasting my time."A moment more of hesitation,and then the child suddenly opened her mouth and accepted the thermometer.She kept her eyes closed during the process of waiting,and at last Dr.Ballard took out the little instrument and examined it.
"Let me see your tongue."
The child stared in surprise.
"Put out your tongue,Jewel,"he repeated kindly.
"But that is impolite,"she protested.
He changed his position.The poor little thing was flighty,and no wonder,with such a temperature.He took her hand again."I'll overlook the impoliteness.Run out your tongue now.Far as you can,dear."The child obeyed.
Presently she said,"I feel very uncomfortable,Dr.Ballard.I don't feel a bit like visiting,so if you wouldn't mindgoing away until Ifeel better.You interrupted me when you came in.I have lots of work to do yet.When I get well I'd just love to see you.I'd rather see you than almost anybody in Bel-Air.""Yes,yes,dear.I'll go away very soon.Where does your throat feel sore?Put your finger on the place."Jewel looked up with all the rebuke she could convey."You ought not to ask me that,"she returned.
Dr.Ballard rose and went to the door."Get me a glass of water,please,Mrs.Forbes.""Not a glass.I want a whole pitcher full right side of me,"said Jewel.