He took out his watch, and I knew he was counting her respirations.
Then, with the same impersonal air, he turned to Dicky.
"It will be necessary to rouse her. Will you awaken her, please? Do not tell her I am here. Simply waken her."
Dicky bent over his mother and took her hand.
"Mother, what was it you wished me to get for you?"
The elder Mrs. Graham opened her eyes languidly.
"I told you quinine," she said impatiently. As she spoke, Dr. Pettit reached past Dicky. His hand held a thermometer.
"Put this in your mouth, please." His air was as casual as if he had made daily visits to her for a fortnight.
But the elder Mrs. Graham was not to be so easily routed. She scowled up at him and half rose from her pillow.
"I do not wish a physician. I forbade having one called. I am not ill enough for a physician."
Dr. Pettit put out his left hand and gently put her back again upon her pillow. It was done so deftly that I do not think she realized what he had done until she was again lying down.