human
There was a time, he said, regarding Mrs. Ladue thoughtfully,
gpt
Mrs. Ladue smiled and shook her head.
human
Ah, what a blow to vanity! I used to think--but my thoughts were of scarcely more value then than they are now, so it's no matter what I thought. It's a great while--fifteen or twenty years--struggling young doctor in the first flush of youth and a growing practice. Practice like an incubator baby; very, very frail. I suppose I must have been a sentimental young chap; but not so young either. Must have been nearly thirty, both of us. Then the baby got out of the incubator and I couldn't come so often.
gpt
Patty was charming, of course, charming, he went on, smiling across at Mrs. Ladue.
human
Yes, much as she is now, with the same charm; the same charm, in moderation.
gpt
Oh, Doctor, she said,
human
I ought not to laugh--at Patty. It's your fault.
gpt
Laugh at Patty! he exclaimed.
human
Never! Nothing further from my intention. I only run on, like a babbling brook. I'm really not responsible for what I say. No significance to be attached to any observations I may make. You won't mind, will you?
gpt
I won't mind, Mrs. Ladue agreed.
human
I don't.
gpt
Thank you. I knew you wouldn't. Doctor Beatty rose and stood for a moment with his hand on the knob of the door.
human
You're all right for a couple of weeks anyway, or I'd warn you to keep your liver on the job. I always give that advice to Patty, partly because she needs it and partly because it is amusing to witness the starting of a certain train of emotions. Good-bye.