The intercom light flashed at the same moment that the door was flung open. Dr. Warner was half-way to the desk before he noticed the other visitors. He stopped abruptly.
"What is it, Doctor?" Dr. Farrar's voice was mildly reproachful. "Do you need me?"
"Excuse me, Doctor. The fleet is ready for the picnic and I thought you might have some last minute ... that is ... I didn't know what plans...." Dr. Warner mumbled, confused at finding a stranger in the office.
"This is Mr. Brill—Dr. Warner. Doctor, Mr. Brill's great-aunt is on our waiting list for Block Nineteen and he is concerned with our program and facilities here. Do you suppose you could take him with you on the picnic this morning?"
Jeremy Brill was startled. "I don't want to be any trouble, Doctor," he said apologetically to both doctors at once.
"No trouble at all, Mr. Brill," reassured Dr. Farrar. "You go with Dr. Warner here. He'll find a place in one of the limousines and you'll have a chance to talk to lots of the people your aunt would have to live with—make some judgment for yourself about all the items we were discussing. You can have Mr. Daneshaw's lunch on the picnic. He's staying here with me today."
Brill bowed his thanks to Daneshaw and Dr. Farrar and rose.
Jules Farrar turned to Dr. Warner. "Give them a good time, Bob. There aren't any special plans, but if you should happen to pass a circus, take the whole gang. Do you have plenty of money? This is on the hospital."
If Bob Warner had been alone with his chief he would have shouted, "A circus—ye gods!" but with Brill and Daneshaw both present he didn't even dare splutter. He nodded mechanically for Brill to precede him out the office door. Just before closing it after them, he stuck his head back into the office and enunciated with great care, "Thank you for the lovely treat, Doctor!" and was gone.