human
To-night's Hallowe'en, isn't it?
gpt
Why, yes, said Bunny. He fancied he detected a note of wistfulness in the other's tone.
human
Why, yes; so it is. I--I wish you could come out with us.
gpt
I wish I could.
human
He wasn't
gpt
I'll tell you what, Prissler, he proposed.
human
I'll be your proxy to-night when we're out. I'll pretend, you know, that I'm walking about on your legs, and using your arms and your brain; and then to-morrow I'll come again and tell you all the things you did--through me, by proxy, you understand. It will be the next best fun to your being actually one of the bunch, won't it?
gpt
Yes, answered Prissler dutifully;
human
He held out a weak hand.
gpt
Well, good-by, Bunny. It was fine of you to come and see me. Good-by.
human
Doctor, he said,
gpt
I am a classmate of Clarence Prissler's at the high school. Can you tell me how he is getting along?
human
I am glad you called upon him, he said presently.
gpt
The truth is, young Prissler isn't recovering as he should; he isn't building up in mind or body after his siege. I've thought, once or twice, that he needed a more intimate touch with the outside world; that's why I am glad you called upon him. Nobody else has.
human
He--well, sir, he isn't what you call a very popular fellow in school, apologized Bunny.
gpt
Doesn't play any games, and keeps to himself, you know, sir, and seems to prefer his own company to anybody else's. There isn't any--any danger that he won't get well, is there, sir?
human
There is every danger, replied Doctor Maxwell soberly.
gpt
He is in a weak, despondent condition, from which he does not seem to be able to arouse himself. He has no interest in what is going on, no apparent desire to rally and grow stronger. If it were possible to inject fresh enthusiasm into him, some actual ambition to get up from his bed and out into the world again, it would mean more than any attention or medicine we can give him here. He--well, I'm glad you called, anyhow. We shall hope for the best.