"I never think of him as a doctor somehow," said Cally, recovering, with a little laugh. "So I couldn't imagine--"
"Second largest practice in town--only I'll admit that his not charging any fees has something to do with it. In fact V.V.'s patients usually borrow anything that's loose, including his hats, suits, and shoes ... Cally, it's like a play, for I believe there he is now ..."
True enough, a firm but unequal footstep just then sounded on the Cooneys' wooden steps outside. But Hen sat still, a far-away look in her eyes.
"Did you hear what Pond said, Cally, the first time he saw V.V.?--'Who's that man with the face like a bishop that never grew up?'... Do you know, I never look at him without remembering mean things I've done and said, and wishing I hadn't ..."
She rose as the bell rang, started toward the door, hesitated, turned in the middle of the floor.
"I'd naturally ask him in here, Cally, while I went up to see if things are ready for him upstairs. Of course, if you'd rather not see him ..."
Cally had risen too. The two girls stood looking at each other.
"No," said Cally, "I'd like to see him. Only I can't speak to him about the Works. I cannot."
"No, no--of course not, dear, if you don't feel like it."
Hen went out to open the door. Greetings floated in....