225“Do prescribe for us, Dr. Helen,” begged Hannah. “I don’t feel especially bored just now, but I often do. Going to Europe was the only event in my life!”
“And going to college in mine!” said Alice.
“Coming here is all that has ever happened to me,” said Frieda solemnly.
“You poor things! It is a serious state of affairs. I suppose you pine for kidnappers, or lovers or financial difficulties or fearful illnesses or Arctic explorations.”
“Exactly!” cried Catherine. “Especially the last, on a day like this. But, really, Mother, of course, I don’t feel as I said more than once in a great while, and I was talking to amuse myself; but can’t you suggest something for us to do this afternoon? The more we lie around and keep cool, the warmer we grow. The Boat Club seems to have tired of picnics, and I want to do something while Alice is here,–something really interesting and pleasant to remember, something we didn’t plan ourselves.”
“Yes, do tell us something,” the others pleaded.
Dr. Helen drew a prescription pad to her.
“Don’t talk,” she said, “while I am thinking. I’ll undertake the case, if you will all agree to follow orders exactly, and in case of a relapse, to remember and act upon the spirit of to-day’s prescription.”
“Agreed!” they chorused, and then sat in silence 226 and watched her hand as it moved over the little sheets. These she folded like powder-papers, endorsed on the outside, and handed over to her patients.
“To be taken at half-past three o’clock, in good spirits and your prettiest afternoon frock,” read Hannah. “I didn’t suppose that you would prescribe spirits, Dr. Helen! What does yours say, Catherine?”