human
Well, said Leaver, after a moment, his weary eyes still studying Burns's face,
gpt
None at all. Children's wards, of course, but nothing like what ought to be. Of course we can't take care of the surplus. It will be only special cases, here and there, that we shall try to handle. But I'm meeting with those every day--cases where the country air and the country fare are almost as much a part of the cure as the surgical interference. My word! but it will be a satisfaction to bundle the poor little chaps off to our farm!
human
In a month, said he,
gpt
Don't say a word, he commanded.
human
I'm merely making an assertion. I'm willing to back it up by argument, if you like, though I'd rather not. In fact, I'd much rather not. I prefer simply to make the assertion, and let it sink in.
gpt
You forget, he said, bitterly,
human
Yes, you meant it, said Burns comfortably.
gpt
A man means it when he swears he'll never do again something that has become second nature to him to do. He'll do it--he's made that way. You will do this thing, and do it with all your old grip and skill. But I'm not going to discuss it with you. Some day, if you are good, I'll describe the case to you. It's one you can handle better than I, and it's going to be up to you.
human
By the way, he said, with a glance at the cottage, now a mere blur in the oncoming twilight,
gpt
Miss Mathewson spoke of it. It will be an interesting event to the village, I should suppose. But I shall not be among the victims of the lady's art. I may as well tell you, Red--I must get away next week.
human
What's that you say?
gpt
I am as grateful to you and Mrs. Burns as a man can possibly be, so grateful that I can't put it into words--
human
Don't try. Go on to something more important.
gpt
I have trespassed on your hospitality--
human
Don't use hackneyed phrases like that. Say something original.
gpt
Cut it, old man! You're not an invalid, and you're not useless. You're giving me one of the most interesting studies I've engaged in in a long time. I'm liable to write a book on you, when I get sufficient data.
human
Nevertheless, I can't do it, Red. You wouldn't do it in my place. Be honest--would you?
gpt
Probably not. I'd be just pig-headed fool enough to argue the case to myself precisely as you are doing. Well, Jack, I've expected this hour. It's a pity there isn't more faith and trust in friendship in the world. We're all deadly afraid of trying our friends too far, so after just about so long we strike out for ourselves. But since it is as it is, and you're growing restless, I'll agree that you leave us, if you'll stay for a while where you'll be under my observation. I've set my heart on making a complete cure in this case--or, rather, you understand, assisting Nature to do so. If you go off somewhere I shall lose track of you. Suppose you stay in the village here for a while longer. I know a splendid place for you, just round the corner. Quiet, pleasant home, middle-aged widow and her young son--a lady, and a sensible, cheerful one--she'll never bore you by talk unless you feel like it--and then the talk will be worth while. What do you say? You know perfectly well that you're not yet quite fit to shift for yourself. Be rational, and let me manage things for you a while longer.
human
You don't know what you're asking, old friend. There are reasons why I feel like getting away, entirely apart from any conditions under your control. Yet since you ask it of me, and I owe you so much, and since--I suppose it doesn't really make much difference where I am--I'll stay for the present.
gpt
Good! I'm much obliged, Jack.
human
Here I am! And the goods are here too. Isn't it a miracle? It could never have been done if I hadn't found a kind friend among the railroad men, who sent my things by fast freight. Now to settle in a whirlwind of a hurry and fly back for Granny.