“Infirmary,” said Miss Selina.
“I prefer Hospital,” said Miss Sarah.
“Infirmary,” said Miss Selina. “Dr. Bannister, house-surgeon, attends daily from ten till one.”
“It would be the prettiest and kindliest occupation,” said Miss Sarah, “as well as a useful one.”
“That’s the whole point of it,” said Miss Selina.
And that is how—five or six years ago—the Miss Bannisters’ Brother came to open the Dolls’ Infirmary. But he did not stop short at mending dolls. He mended all kinds of other things too; he advised on the length of tails for kites; he built ships; he had even made fireworks.
V
Roy walked into Dormstaple at about one o’clock, very tired and hot and dusty and hungry. With the exception of a lift for a mile and a half in the baker’s cart, he had had to walk or run all the way. A little later, after asking his way more than once, he stood on the doorstep of the Miss Bannisters’ house. The door was opened by old Eliza, and as the flavour of roast fowl rushed out, Roy knew how hungry he was. “I want to see the Miss Bannisters’ Brother,” he said, “please.”
“You’re too late,” was the answer, “and it’s the wrong door. Come to-morrow morning, and go to the Hinfirmary. Mr. Theodore never sees children in the afternoon.”
“Oh, but I must,” Roy almost sobbed.