“Shape or not, I’ve got to be in my office Sunday or no Sunday; Government contracts don’t wait on nerves, time, or day. Those cantonment plans must be shipped to——” Observing Hayden’s obdurate manner, Palmer’s peremptory tone changed to one almost of pleading. “Don’t send me to bed; I tell you I can’t sleep and I’ll go crazy if I remain inactive. I had to work last night; God knows if I can’t sleep at night, I can’t sleep in daylight.”
Hayden considered him a moment, then drawing out his prescription pad he wrote down directions, and tearing off the slip handed it to Palmer who, impatient to be off, stood twirling his hat from one hand to another.
“This mild bracer will give you relief, Palmer, but only temporarily.” Hayden’s serious manner impressed Palmer in spite of his open disinclination to follow his advice. “It is trite but true that no man can burn the candle at both ends; working under pressure day and night creates the necessity for sanitariums.”
Palmer frowned then smiled as he tucked the prescription safely away in his vest pocket.
“The work will lighten up shortly,” he declared. “Come along; oh, d——mn! there’s the ’phone.”
“Don’t wait, I’ll answer it,” and Hayden turned back into the apartment as Palmer hurried down the corridor. Just as he reached the head of the staircase a sound of voices drifted to him, and glancing over his shoulder he saw Mrs. Burnham leave the elevator and walk toward his apartment. Palmer stood for several seconds where he was; then, as Mrs. Burnham was admitted by his Japanese servant, Siki, he slowly retraced his footsteps to his apartment.
Inside the living room Hayden listened to a long winded statement from one of his patients, and making his replies as brief as politeness permitted he finally hung up the receiver and, swinging about, found Mrs. Burnham seated near at hand.
“I telephoned to your office and the boy told me you were not expected there this morning, so I chanced finding you here,” she explained as they shook hands. “I want your professional advice.”
“Surely, Mrs. Burnham.” Hayden drew a chair forward and sat down by her. “What is it?”
Mrs. Burnham did not reply at once. “Are we likely to be interrupted?” she finally inquired.