“They know the one most important fact in all medical practice, ma’am,” said Dr. Strong, “that the time for locking the stable door is before the horse is stolen, and that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
II.
IN TIME OF PEACE
“How is the Chinese plan working?” asked Mr. Thomas Clyde, stretching himself on the lounge in Dr. Strong’s study.
One week before, the doctor had been officially installed, on the Oriental principle of guarding the Clyde household against intruding sickness. In that time he had asked few questions. But Mr. Clyde, himself a close observer, noted the newcomer’s quietly keen observation of the children, and sometimes of Mrs. Clyde, as they met at mealtime. He had remarked, too, that the nervous tension of the man was relaxing; and guessed that he had found, in his new and unique employment, something of that panacea of the troubled soul, congenial work. Now, having come to Dr. Strong’s wing of the house by request, he smilingly put his question, and was as smilingly answered.
“Your Chinese physician has been making what the Chinese call a ‘go-look-see.’ In other but less English terms, a reconnaissance.”
“In what department?”
“Earth, air, and water.” The other waved an inclusive hand.
“Any results?”
“Oh, all kinds. Preliminary report now ready. I’d like to make it a sort of family conference.”
“Good idea! I’ll send for Mrs. Clyde and Grandma Sharpless.”