“It mon begin wi’ a ‘B’?”
“You’re wrong, auntie. It happens to be an ‘S,’ and I’m going to buy her a birthday present to-morrow.”
CHAPTER XVIII—A CONSULTATION
It was several days afterward, however, before David was able to go out. The reaction from the excitement of his home-coming left him contented with the quiet of the cool living-room, where he wrote to Avery, and eventually called up Bascomb Senior, with whom he had a brief talk regarding the progress of the N. M. & Q. He acknowledged Bascomb’s note in regard to the asbestos samples, stating that he would call for them, which was thoroughly agreeable to the engineer, who wanted to see him.
That afternoon, about four o’clock, Dr. Leighton called. Miss Ross was out, for which both he and David were thankful, as it gave them an opportunity “to get down to bed-rock,” as David expressed it.
The doctor smiled at David’s assertion that he had completely recovered and wanted to do something beside rest.
“I’m tired of resting,” said David.
“Yes, I know. You’re all right now and you’ll be all right later on if you take care of yourself. Keep out of the sun and loaf; just loaf and invite your—friends. I know it’s the hardest kind of work for you. It isn’t the wound—the outside of your head that needs humoring. You’ve had a shock that has upset things and you can thank your stars that you’re not up there—permanently.”
Dr. Leighton chuckled and ran his handkerchief round his perspiring face.
“I didn’t think it was quite so serious,” replied David.