needs of that, for
excepting a glass of wine at his dinner, and it might be somethin' 'ot
before goin' to bed in winter--

"So I goes in," resumed Mrs. Holmes, "an' there 'e was sittin' up in
'is bed, with 'is face as red as fire, an' not knowin' me from Adam.
If it wasn't for 'is 'abits an' a catchin' of 'is breath you wud 'ave
said drink, for 'e says, 'How often have the drains been sluiced last
year?'" After which I went up to Mr. Perkins's room without ceremony.

He was explaining, with much cogency, as it seemed to me, that unless
the statistics of temperature embraced the whole year, they would
afford no reliable conclusions regarding the sanitary condition of
Board Schools; but when I addressed him by name with emphasis, he came
to himself with a start.

"Excuse me, sir, I must apologize--I really did not hear--in fact--"
And then, as he realized his situation, Mr. Perkins was greatly
embarrassed.

"Did I forget myself so far as--to send for you?--I was not feeling
well. I have a slight difficulty in breathing, but I am quite able to
go to the office--in a cab.

"You are most kind and obliging, but the schedule I am--it just comes
and goes--thank you, no more water--is important and--intricate; no
one--can complete it--except myself.

"With your permission I will rise--in a few minutes. Ten o'clock,
dear me!--this is most unfortunate--not get down till eleven!--I must
really insist--" But the doctor had come, and Mr. Perkins obeyed on
one condition.

"Yes, doctor, I prefer, if you please, to know; you see I am not a
young person--nor nervous--thank you very much--quite so; pneumonia is
serious--and double pneumonia dangerous, I understand.--No, it is not
that--one is not alarmed at my age, but--yes, I'll lie down--letter
must go to office--dictate it to my friend--certain form--leave of
absence, in fact--trouble you too much--medical certificate."

He was greatly relieved after this letter was sent by special
messenger with the key of his desk, and quite refreshed when a clerk
came up with the chief's condolences.

"My compliments to Mr. Lighthead--an excellent young official, very
promising indeed--and would he step upstairs for a minute--will excuse
this undress in circumstances--really I will not speak any more.

"Those notes, Mr. Lighthead, will make my idea quite plain--and I hope
to revise final draft--if God will--my dutiful respect to the Board,
and kind regards to the chief clerk. It was kin