Dr. Zacharie rose and bowed. He understood that he was unceremoniously dismissed, but he was not the kind of man to easily lose his sangfroid.
"As you wish," he said, as he rose and went toward the door, "but you will be careful—won't you?" Impressively he added:
"Remember—there is danger—great danger of total collapse. Your nerves need watching. The slightest imprudence——"
"Lord sakes, doctor, you're not very comforting!" cried Mrs. Parkes.
"I always tell my patients the truth," replied the doctor. "It is better."
"Then I'm glad I'm not your patient," retorted the landlady promptly. "Give me the good, cheerful lie that comforts, even if it ain't true. My experience with Parkes taught me that, Paula— I was only happy when he was lying to me."
"Well, I have warned you, Miss Marsh," repeated the doctor, "take care!"
Paula bowed haughtily.
"Thank you—good-by," she said icily.
Dr. Zacharie opened the door and disappeared.