"He's cheaper than his father," thought Miss Hitty, quickly suspicious.
"That's because he ain't as good a doctor."
"Four and a half, then," she said aloud. "Is it a bargain?"
"It is," said Ralph, "and I'll take the best possible care of Araminta. Shake hands on it." He went out, his shoulders shaking with suppressed merriment, and Miss Hitty watched him through the grimy front window.
"Seems sort of decent," she thought, "and not too grasping. He might be real nice if he wasn't a man."
X
Ralph's First Case
"Father," said Ralph at breakfast, "I got my first case yesterday."
Anthony Dexter smiled at the tall, straight young fellow who sat opposite him. He did not care about the case but he found endless satisfaction in Ralph.
"What was it?" he asked, idly.
"Broken ankle. I only happened to get it because you were out. I was accused of being a 'play doctor,' but, under the circumstances, I had to do."