"She doesn't consider me hopeless,however.She told me that she had mentioned to the Lord that she was sure I didn't know it was wrong to believe in materia medica."No one for years had heard Mr.Evringham laugh as he laughed at this.
The doctor joined him.
"I'm not surprised,"said the broker at last."If there is anything she does not mention to her Creator,I have yet to learn what it is.
How did you get around her,Ballard?"
"Oh,I used a little justifiable hocus-pocus about the medicine.
That's all."
"And you think it's not anything very serious,then?""I think not.Where there's so much temperature it is a little hard to tell at first with a child.This evening I shall make a more thorough examination.The ice is broken now,and it will be easier.She will be less excited.I see,"glancing at the yellow chicken,whose beady eyes appeared to be following the conversation,"the little girl has found her way even into this sanctum."Mr.Evringham cleared his throat as he followed the doctor's glance.
"No,"he responded shortly."She has not found her way in here yet.
That is--my chicken.She bought it for me."
Dr.Ballard lifted his eyebrows and smiled as he arose.
"Come back before dinner if possible,Ballard.I shall be uneasy."