Dr. H. Pretty fair, pretty fair. A good summer's work, that. [Looks at E. much pleased]
Aunt F. And now, Doctor, we want you to tell us just what she may do, just how much.
Aunt H.-T. Of course you know now she's got into a city, she can't dress exactly as she did up in the country.
Dr. H. I see, I see.
Aunt F. There isn't a thing of all her clothes she can wear. Having been all summer in those loose sacques, she's sort o' spread out. [Motions with her hands]
Dr. H. Well, my advice is that you begin gradually screwing her up. Get something with plenty of whalebones ready and a good tough lacer. But don't begin too hard, just tighten a little every day, and by and by she will get back to where her clothes will fit her exactly.
Aunt F. [Clapping her hands] That's just what I said we would have to do.
Mamma P. But, Doctor, won't that injure her health?
Dr. H. Of course it will, but I fancy she will stand it for one winter. It won't quite kill her, and that is all we doctors want.
Emily. [Comes forward] Well, I have something to say on this point. I wouldn't lose my health again for anything that can be named.