"I say, don't be in such a hurry!"
"I really cannot stay longer at present; goodbye."
Dr. Norman opened the door and stood within it. Old Mr. Waldron fidgeted in his chair, muttering—
"Horrid child! Hate children! Perfect nuisance!"
The doctor partly closed the door.
"I say, have you gone?" cried the old man, glancing round. "Dr. Norman," he called suddenly, "you can bring that brat in if it will be any pleasure to you, and if you find me dead in half an hour my death will lie at your door!"
The doctor at once accepted this grudging concession, and hastening to the carriage, brought Sophy back in his arms.
"What the——" called out old Mr. Waldron when he saw the child. "Is she ill?"
"Oh, no, only lame," replied the doctor, as he placed his burden in a chair opposite to the old man.
"Now, Sophy," he admonished, "you will be a pleasant companion to this gentleman until my return."