Page:The Breath of Scandal (1922).djvu/105

 and he no longer "took" general practice cases of scarlet fever and measles. While he had been becoming a great surgeon, had he, like his friend, her father, also become some one strange inside, Marjorie wondered? The question caused her to stand stiffly as he came up to her and while he lifted her hand and slipped his deft, firm fingers to her pulse.

"You mustn't keep yourself going so, Marjorie," he reproved her, kindly, releasing her wrist. "I suppose you haven't slept at all."

"No."

"You must sleep this morning. Your father is doing splendidly; there will be no trouble with your mother. You've been a champion, Marjorie. Now really try to go to sleep; if you don't succeed, drop one of these in a glass of water; drink it." He took a couple of capsules from his vest pocket and laid them on her table; then he turned away, but he did not leave the room.

"Doctor!" Marjorie suddenly appealed.

He swung about to her, as though he had been waiting for what would follow.

"Why did he do it, Doctor Grantham? Father! Why, oh, why did he?"

Grantham shook his head; he intended undoubtedly to convey to her that he could not make it out but he failed in this; he succeeded in showing her only that he would not discuss that with her.

"You can take both those capsules an hour apart, if you need two, Marjorie," he said kindly. "Don't try to figure out life in one day, girl; no brain can stand it. Take one of those and lie down and count sheep—don't think—relax; then, if you need, take the other." He went away.