[Illustration: January with his perpetual laugh and fiddle.]
Duke greatly endeared himself to the Davenports by his wonderful sagacity. He could almost talk. One of the very smartest things he ever did happened in this wise:
Beth had a sudden attack of fever.
"We must have a doctor," said Mrs. Davenport.
Beth overheard the remark. Since her experience of the stitches under her nose, she hated all doctors; so she declared:
"I don't want any horrid doctor. I'll get well without one. Really I will."
Mrs. Davenport laid a cooling hand on her head, and said soothingly:
"Can't you trust mamma to do what is best?"
Thereupon she gave private instructions to Mr. Davenport to get a doctor as soon as possible, after which she neglected all work, trying to keep Beth quiet.
Two little kittens, brothers of those brought by Gustus in the winter, crawled up on the lounge ready for play. Even their antics tired Beth. When the doctor came, he looked serious over the child's condition.