Dr. Fisher set his big spectacles straight, and regarded her keenly.
“He has sassed me by holding this door, an’ I’m goin’ in to see his Ma.”
“Davie’s just right,” said the little doctor. He turned to give an approving smile to him still clinging to the old latch.
“Jest right!” screamed Miss Jerusha, in a towering passion. “Do you know who I be? I’m Parson Henderson’s sister.”
“Yes, I know,” said Doctor Fisher, “and I’m dreadfully sorry for the parson. I wish I could help him. But as for David here, he’s got my permission to keep out anybody he wants to. Mrs. Pepper isn’t to be worried by visitors.”
“I shall report you to the Parson,” said Miss Jerusha, getting off from the flat stone.
“Yes, do,” said Doctor Fisher, as she stalked down the path. Then he went into the little brown house to battle for Joel’s life.
CHAPTER IV
SUNLIGHT THROUGH THE CLOUD
DEACON BLODGETT exclaimed, “’Tain’t no use, I can’t set myself to work on nothin’,” and then leaned helplessly against the barn door.
Mrs. Blodgett sighed. She was far beyond words. At last she threw her apron over her head. When she did that, the Deacon knew she was pretty far gone.