Page:Bad Girl (1929).pdf/193

 "I hope not before Dr. Stewart comes back," said Dot timidly.

Dr. Simons favored her with a quick, sharp glance. In the end he decided she was merely stupid. "So do I," he said.

He read the card over six or seven times. When he finally laid it down, Dot had the impression that he still had not absorbed a single idea in connection with it. Miss Henderson could have told her something about that strange, restless, clever mind that never knew a peaceful moment. Could have told her something about this peevish young doctor who crucified and tortured himself for his patients, who respected but disliked him.

"We'll look at her, Miss Henderson," said Dr. Simons.

Miss Henderson led Dot through a narrow white door into a narrow white room. She helped Dot off with her dress and assisted her to the table.

"She's ready, Doctor," said Miss Henderson, opening the door.

The doctor's voice startled Dot. He was of course speaking to Eddie, but who would have guessed that he could speak like a human being and on such short acquaintance? "I listen to Roxy," he was saying, "when I have the time."

"Mrs. Collins is waiting," said Miss Henderson.

The doctor came in. He examined Dot thoroughly. He was as conscientious and as purely professional as Dr. Stewart, but there the similarity stopped. Dr. Stewart's manner was that of a saviour ministering to the needs of some one he pitied and cared for. Dr. Simons' attitude was one of extreme annoyance. "That there should be women!" said his cold eyes. "And that they should get pregnant!"

The examination finished, he left Dot abruptly, presumably to continue his conversation with Eddie. It was