As he entered she said: “We will let Dr. Morrell decide. I've been asking Miss Kilburn to go with me to Mrs. Putney's. I think it would be a graceful and proper thing for me to do, to express my sympathy and interest, and to hear what Mrs. Putney really has to say. Don't you think I ought to go to see her, doctor?”
The doctor laughed. “I can't prescribe in matters of social duty. But what do you want to see Mrs. Putney for?”
“What for? Why, doctor, on account of Mr. Putney—what took place last night.”
“Yes? What was that?”
“What was that? Why, his strange behaviour—his—his intoxication.”
“Was he intoxicated? Did you think so?”
“Why, you were there, doctor. Didn't you think so?”
Annie looked at him with as much astonishment as Mrs. Munger.
The doctor laughed again. “You can't always tell when Putney's joking; he's a great joker. Perhaps he was hoaxing.”
“Oh doctor, do you think he could have been?” said Mrs. Munger, with clasped hands. “It would make me the happiest woman in the world! I'd forgive him all he's made me suffer. But you're joking now, doctor?”