"In the country they are doing without it—shifting for themselves."
Angella looked startled, and Nettie turned round, her slow gaze fixed upon the doctor's face.
"Who's taking care of them, then?" she asked.
"They're takin' care of themselves. They creep out of bed and crawl to each other, and some of 'em die before they can get back to their own beds. In most of the families that have it, they are all down at once."
"Now, look here," said Angella abruptly, "you've got to have some supper before you start off."
"No time for supper. There's nine in the Homan family down, including the help. I'm on my way now."
He had snapped his bag closed. Nettie passed by him into the house. Angella paused at the door and caught him by the sleeve to detain him.
"Really, doctor, it won't do you a bit of good to try and take care of people if you don't take care of yourself first; you've got to eat. So you come right in. It won't take me a minute to fix something for you."
"No, can't stop. I had a bite at noon, and will reach Homan's in time for another sup."