"Yes, and every one with membrainyous croup. They may call it what they please. Ah! I know; I know!"
She rocks her body, and laughs almost a silly laugh.
"Every one of them had a terrible attack, and then was well for a week. Two of 'em dropped dead at play. They seems so full of life just before they go. When my husband broke his leg I lost one. When I caught the small-pox they let one die. Oh, my! Oh, my!"
The woman rocks her body and laughs.
Lockwin wants more boiling water. It gives him something to do to get it. He enters the kitchen.
"Davy has the asthma," he says to the desolate mother as he passes.
"Davy has the membrainyous croup," she replies: "I saw that a week ago. Makes no difference what the doctors say; they can't help no child."
"Where is that doctor, Esther?" the man says.
"He was here while you were gone. He said he would return soon. He said it was a relapse, but he thought there was no danger."
"It is lucky," the man inwardly comments, "that we are all doctors."