"You must not excite yourself," he said, still in the same grave, impersonal tone, "and you are more ill than you think. It is absolutely necessary that I get your temperature and examine your lungs at once."
As if the words had been a talisman of some sort, her opposition dropped from her. Into her face came a frightened look.
"Oh, doctor, you don't think I am going to have pneumonia, do you?"
I was amazed at the cry. It was like that of a terrified child. Dr.
Pettit smiled down at her.
"We hope not. We shall do our best to keep it away. But you must help me. Put this in your mouth, please."
My mother-in-law obeyed him docilely. But my heart sank as I watched the physician's face.
Suddenly she cried out, "Richard! Richard, if I am in danger of pneumonia, as this doctor thinks, I want a trained nurse here at once, one who has had experience in pneumonia cases. Margaret means well, but threatened pneumonia with my heart needs more than good intentions."
"Of course, mother," Dicky acquiesced. "I was just about to suggest one to Dr. Pettit."
"But, doctor," Dicky said anxiously when we followed him into the living room, "where are we to find a nurse?"
"Fortunately," Dr. Pettit rejoined, "I have just learned that absolutely the best nurse I know is free. Her name is Miss Katherine Sonnot, and her skill and common sense are only equalled by her exquisite tact. She is just the person to handle the case, and if you will give me the use of your 'phone I think I can have her here within an hour."