"No. But I have had some experience with accidents. If you want me to go for a doctor,--"
"You are all I can stand at present, thank you. I know you are a doctor by your confounded nerve. Will be painful! I wish it were your ankle, confound you. And I'll never grumble again when my patients swear at me. I never realized before what a relief it is to swear at your doctor. How did you happen to be here? I suppose it was an accident and not a special dispensation of Providence."
"I was the bearer of a message to your daughter, and so happened to be on hand at the right moment, that's all. My name is Burton,--Hugh Burton, Putney, Massachusetts."
"A message? From whom? What about?"
"There, doesn't that begin to feel more comfortable?"
"Humph! That's a neat way of telling me to mind my own business."
Burton merely laughed. "Let me look at this cut in your temple. So! Any more damages?"
"My little finger was knocked out of joint, but I think I put it back. I guess that's all they had time to get in,--"
"Who?"
The sharp monosyllable made them both start. Leslie had returned with Mrs. Bussey, who was carrying a kettle of hot water; but in her surprise at her father's remark, she was very effectively blocking the way for the timid servant.