A Scrap of Paper

Perhaps the diversion was good for me. It took my mind from Halsey,
and the story we had heard the night before. The day, however, was a
long vigil, with every ring of the telephone full of possibilities.
Doctor Walker came up, some time just after luncheon, and asked for me.

"Go down and see him," I instructed Gertrude. "Tell him I am out--for
mercy's sake don't say I'm sick. Find out what he wants, and from this
time on, instruct the servants that he is not to be admitted. I loathe
that man."

Gertrude came back very soon, her face rather flushed.

"He came to ask us to get out," she said, picking up her book with a
jerk. "He says Louise Armstrong wants to come here, now that she is
recovering."

"And what did you say?"

"I said we were very sorry we could not leave, but we would be
delighted to have Louise come up here with us. He looked daggers at
me. And he wanted to know if we would recommend Eliza as a cook. He
has brought a patient, a man, out from town, and is increasing his
establishment--that's the way he put it."

"I wish him joy of Eliza," I said tartly. "Did he ask for Halsey?"

"Yes. I told him that we were on the track last night, and that it was
only a question of time. He said he was glad, although he didn't
appear to be, but he said not to be too sanguine."