Kathryn had never had any experience with travelling salesmen––she wasn’t clear as to their mission in life. So she said doubtfully:
“I suppose not.”
“Certainly not! An office man is one thing; a professional man, another; and these wandering Johnnies, like Northrup, still another breed. He’s been starving his scent––that’s what I told him. Too much woman in his––and I don’t mean to hurt you, Kathryn, but you ought to get it into your system that marrying a man like Northrup is like marrying a doctor or minister; you’ve got to have a lot of faith or you’re going to break your man.”
Kathryn’s eyes contracted, then she laughed.
“How charming you are, Doctor Manly, when you’re making talk. Are those pills bitter?” Kathryn reached out for them. “Not that I mind, but I hate to be taken by surprise.”
“They’re as bitter as––well, they’re quinine. You need toning up.”
“You think I need a change?” The tone was pensive.
“Change?” Manly had a sense of humour. “Well, yes, I do. Go to bed early. Cut out rich food; you’ll be fat at forty if you don’t, Miss Kathryn. Take up some good physical work, not exercises. Really, it would be a great thing for you if you discharged one of your maids.”
“Which one, Doctor Manly?”