. McClintock," put in the doctor hastily.
"Do you really think that he is sufficiently in touch with modern views
to--to--oh, dash it! what was I saying?"

"You were interrupting me when I was telling Benis--"

"Oh yes. I remember. We were talking about new ideas. And you suggested
heresy. But you must remember that, in my profession, new ideas are not
called heresy--except when they are very new. What would you think of
me if I doctored exactly as my father did before me?"

"When you are half as capable as your father, young man, I may discuss
that with you."

"One for you!'' said Benis gleefully.

"Well, leaving me out then, and speaking generally, why should a
physician search continually for fresh wisdom, while a minister--"

"Beware, young man!" Aunt Caroline raised an affrighted hand. "Beware
how you compare your case with that of a minister of the Gospel. That
further wisdom is needed in the practice of medicine, anyone who has
ever employed a doctor is well aware. But where is he who dare add one
jot to Divine revelation?"

"No one is speaking of adding anything. But surely, in the matter of
interpretation, an open mind is a first essential?"

"In the matter of interpretation," said Aunt Caroline grandly, "we have
our ordained ministers. How do you feel," she added shrewdly, "toward
quacks and healers who, without study or training, call themselves
doctors? Do you say, 'Let us display an open mind'?"

"Time!" said Benis, who enjoyed his relative hugely--when she was
disciplining someone else. "Here comes Desire with the tea."

"What I really came out to say, Benis," resumed Aunt Caroline, "is that
I have just had a long distance call--Desire, my dear, cream or
lemon?--a long distance call from Toronto where, I fear, such things
are allowed on Sunday--Doctor, you like lemon, I think?--a call in fact
from Mary Davis. You remember her, Benis? Such a sweet girl. She is
feeling a little tired and would like to run down here for a rest.
Desire, my dear, have you any plans with which this would interfere? I
said that I would consult you and let her know. You are very careless
with your plate, Benis. That Spode can never be replaced."

Fortunately her anxiety for the family heirloom absorbed Aunt
Caroline's whole attention. If she noticed her nephew's look of
anguished guilt and his friend's politely raised brows she ascribed it
to his carelessness in balancing china. Desire's downcast eyes and
stiffened ma