In a trice he was admitted; in a twinkle he was up the stairs; in another second he was by the sick lady's bedside, round which were seated a nurse and three eminent Holmnook gossips.
He was, however, little prepared for the reception he met with—the effect his appearance produced.
The sick lady, struggling though she was with severe pain, laughed outright.
The nurse said, "Oh my!—Doctor Kemp!"
Gossip No. 1 exclaimed, "Oh, you'll kill me!"
Gossip No. 2 cried, "I can't believe my eyes!"
Gossip No. 3 exploded with—"Oh, Doctor Kemp, do look at your stockings!"
And the doctor, obeying, did look at his stockings. One was of black silk—the other was a crimson one, with yellow clocks.
Was there not merry talk the next day at Holmnook! Didn't one hear blithe hearty laughter at every street corner—at every window under the limes?
What did they laugh about? What did they say?