"After all, why not?" he repeated half-aloud. "I would give it to a patient in my condition."
"But the patient wouldn't know what it was," a voice within himself answered.
"I need something. I—" his hand went out toward the case—"I have never done it before."
"You have seen others who have," said the voice again.
"This is an exceptionally trying time," he argued.
"There will be many more such times in your practice."
"But I must get some rest!" he cried, "I must!" He reached again for the open case but paused—startled by the ringing of the door-bell.
Obeying the impulse of the moment he dropped into his chair and caught up a paper.
Mam Liz's voice, in guarded tones came from the hall, "Yes marm, he's to home, but he's plumb tuckered out. Is yo' got to see him? Yo' ain't wantin' him to go out agin is yo'?"
Another voice answered, but the listening doctor could not distinguish the reply.