"I don't know whether I know how to give what you call gracious answers, doctor," said Mrs. Derrick pleasantly. "I'm very much obliged to Miss Sophy, but I never go anywhere at night."
With the other two the doctor's mission was more successful; and then he disclosed the other object of his visit.
"Miss Derrick, do you remember I once threatened to bring the play of
Portia here—and introduce her to you?"
"I remember it," said Faith.
"Would it be pleasant to you that I should fulfil my threat this evening?"
"I don't know, sir," said Faith smiling,—"till I hear the play."
"Mr. Linden,—what do you think?" said the doctor, also with a smile.
"I am ready for anything—if you will let me be impolite enough to finish writing a letter while I hear the first part of your reading."
"To change the subject slightly—what do you suppose, Mr. Linden, would on the whole be the effect, on society, if the hand of Truth were in every case to be presented without a glove?" The doctor spoke gravely now.
"The effect would be that society would shake hands more cordially—I should think," said Mr. Linden; "though it is hard to say how such an extreme proposition would work."