r in my life than I did
last night. Or ate a better breakfast than this one. But I cannot permit
you to go to this trouble."

"It isn't any trouble."

"Excuse me, I feel that it is. No, doctor, I must go--if not to the
Wellmouth hotel, then somewhere else."

Doctor Powers whistled. Miss Martha looked at Galusha. Galusha, whose
knees were trembling, sat down in the chair again. Suddenly the lady
spoke.

"If this was a hotel you would be willin' to stay here, wouldn't you,
Mr. Bangs?" she asked.

"Why, yes, certainly. But, you see, it--ah--isn't one."

"No, but we might make it one for three or four days. Doctor, what does
Elmer Rogers charge his inmates--his boarders, I mean--a day?"

"Why, from three to five dollars, I believe."

"Tut, tut, tut! The robber! Well, I presume likely he'd rob Mr. Bangs
here as hard as he'd rob anybody. Mr. Bangs, I take it that what
troubles you mostly is that you don't want to visit a person you've
never met until last night. You've never met Elmer Rogers at all, but
you would be perfectly willin' to visit him if you could pay for the
privilege."

"Why--why, yes, of course, Miss Phipps. You have been very kind, so kind
that I don't know how to express my gratitude, but I can't accept any
more of your hospitality. To board at a hotel is quite a different
thing."

"Certainly it is. I appreciate how you feel. I should probably feel just
the same way. This house of mine isn't a hotel and doesn't pretend to
be, but if you think you can be comfortable here for the next few days
and it will make you feel happier to pay--say, three dollars a day for
the privilege, why--well, I'm satisfied if you are."

Galusha gazed at her in amazement. The doctor slapped his knee.

"Splendid!" he exclaimed. "Martha, as usual you've said and done just
the right thing. Now, Mr. Bangs, I'll see you again to-morrow morning.
Take the tablets as directed. You may go out for an hour or so by and by
if the weather is good, but DON'T walk much or get in the least tired.
Good-morning."

He was at the door before his patient realized what he was about.

"But, doctor," cried Galusha, "I--I--really I--Oh, dear!"

The door closed. He turned to Miss Phipps in bewildered consternation.
She smiled at him reassuringly.

"So THAT'S all settled," she said. "Now sit right down again, Mr. Bangs,
and finish your breakfast.... Primmie, bring Mr. Bangs some hot coffee.
HOT coffee I said, remember."

Later, perhaps