"Well, but Martha, she said her sister's name was Isobel."
"Did she? I didn't notice."
"I did! She did say her sister's name was Isobel!"
"Well, what of it?" Martha was curious.
"Well, don't you see, there couldn't be two Isobels in one family? They must be half-sisters, or step sisters, or something. Maybe that man WAS a brother—of some kind."
Then Martha laughed. She laughed just like Mrs. Blacksley, softly, jeeringly.
"You're the limit, mammie!" She laughed again, more naturally, from sheer amusement. "You can't believe what I say, can you? You're too good for this world, mammie! The doctor'll take care of herself. Don't you worry about her!"
"You can laugh at me, if you want to; but I don't believe it. Anyway, why shouldn't a woman doctor have a man patient, if she wants one?"
"To be sure!" agreed Martha, "if she wants one," she added, in another tone. "I don't admire her taste; but I'm willing to let her have as many as she wants."