Time in a quiet sick-room passes
monotonously; events that are unnoticed in hours of well-being and activity
here assume proportions of importance; meal-times are looked forward to as
a break in the day; the doctor's visit especially when it is the only one
allowed, is an excitement. Dr. Kemp's visits were short, but the two
learned to look for his coming and the sound of his deep, cheery voice, as
to their morning's tonic that would strengthen the whole day. Naturally,
as he was a stranger, Mrs. Levice in her idleness had analyzed and
discussed aloud his qualities, both personal and professional, to her
satisfaction. She had small ground for basing her judgments, but the
doctor formed a good part of her conversation.
Ruth's knowledge of him was somewhat larger, --about the distance between
Mrs. Levice's bedroom and the front door. She had a homely little way of
seeing people to the door, and here it was the doctor gave her any new
instructions. Instructions are soon given and taken; and there was always
time for a word or two of a different nature.
In the first place, she had been attracted by his horses, a magnificent
pair of jetty blacks.
"I wonder if they would despise a lump of sugar," she said one morning.
"Why should they?" asked Kemp.
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