Doctor Mendel almost laughed at the lady's request.
"Of course you may, as soon as there's a patient for her to take care of. But you surely don't want one when there's no illness in this part of the house."
"Why, so there isn't!" said Mrs. Spencer, looking greatly relieved. "I'm so bewildered I felt that these two children were already down with diphtheria."
"It's a very trying situation," went on Doctor Mendel, looking kindly at Mrs. Spencer. "For I do not see how your husband can come home, if he wants to continue at his business. And surely, there's no use of his coming home, so long as there's no illness in your immediate family. He would better stay in New York."
"Oh, not in New York," cried Mrs. Spencer. "He can come to Rockwell every night, and stay at the hotel or some place."
"Yes, that would be better; then you can telephone often."
"And I can telephone to Mother!" said Midget, who was beginning to see a brighter side.
"Yes, of course," agreed the doctor. "I'll go there, and tell her all about it."
"Won't she be surprised!"
"Yes, I fancy she will! Do you want her to send you some clothes?"