human
Nothing, thank you. You did it all an hour ago, and left me more comfortable than I expected to be just yet. I'm not sure whether it was the dressing or the visit that did me the most good.
gpt
You're a mighty satisfactory sort of patient. That good clean blood of yours is telling already in your recovery from shock. It tells in another way, too.
human
What's that?
gpt
Sheer pluck.
human
I'm glad you think so--Red Pepper Burns, King answered daringly. Then, as the other laughed, he added:
gpt
Do you know what would make me the most docile patient you could ask?
human
Docile doesn't seem just the word for you--but I'd be glad to know, in case of emergency.
gpt
Let me call you that--the name your best friends have for you. It's a bully name. I know I'm ten years younger--but--
human
Good lack! Jordan King, call me anything you like! I'll appreciate it.
gpt
You've no idea how long I've wanted to do it--Red,
human
Why didn't you long ago? Burns demanded.
gpt
Surely dignity's no characteristic of mine. If Anne Linton can call me 'Red Head' on no acquaintance at all--
human
She didn't do that!
gpt
Only when she was off her head, of course. She took me for a wildcat once, poor child. No, no--when she was sane she addressed me very properly. She's back on the old decorous ground now. Made me a beautiful little speech this morning, informing me that I had to stop calling her 'little girl,' for she was twenty-four years old. As she looks about fifteen at the present, and a starved little beggar at that, I found it a bit difficult to begin on 'Miss Linton,' particularly as I have been addressing her as 'Little Anne' all the time.
human
Starved?
gpt
Oh, we'll soon fill her out again. She's really not half so thin as she might be under the old-style treatment. It strikes me you have a good deal of interest in my patients, Jord. Shall I describe the rest of them for you?
human
Naturally I am interested in a girl you made me bring to the hospital myself. And at present--well--a fellow feeling, you know. I see how it is myself now. I didn't then.
gpt
True enough. Well, I'll bring you daily bulletins from Miss Anne. And when she's strong enough I'll break the news to her of your proximity. Doubtless your respective nurses will spend their time carrying flowers back and forth from one of you to the other.
human
More than likely, King admitted.
gpt
Anything to fill in the time. I'm sorry I can't take her out in my car when she's ready. I've been thinking, Doctor--Red, he went on hastily,
human
Work out anything. I'll prophesy right now that as soon as you get fairly comfortable you'll think out more stuff while you're lying on your back than you ever did in a given period of time before. It won't be lost time at all; it'll be time gained. And when you do get back on your legs--no, don't ask me when that'll be, I can't tell nor any other fellow--but when you do get back you'll make things fly as they never did before--and that's going some.
gpt
You _are_ a great bluffer, but I admit that I like the sound of it,