Would you like to hear a chapter?"
"Thank you, not to-night. It's a great book, and stirs the blood with its
attempt to tell the story of a war whose real story can never be told by
any one, no matter what skill the historian brings to the telling. But
I'm not in the mood for it to-night. I wonder if, instead, you won't tell
me a bit about yourself. You've never said a word about the work you do
with my friend, Dr. Burns. Do you like it?"
She hesitated. Was this a safe subject, she wondered, for a surgeon who,
she understood, had broken down from overwork? But the question had been
asked.
"Very much," she answered, quietly. "One could hardly help liking work
under Dr. Burns."
"Why? Do you think him a fine operator?"
"Very fine. He is considered the best in the city, now, I believe, even
though his office is out here in the village. Of course it is not a great
city, but his reputation extends out into the towns around."
"He is an enthusiast in his profession, I know. And you are one in yours,
I see."
"Do you see it, Dr. Leaver? I thought I spoke quite moderately."
"So moderately that I recognized the restraint. You assist Dr. Burns
whenever he operates?"
"Yes--if I am free."
"He can't have been doing much lately, then."
She glanced at him. He was still leaning back against the apple-tree
trunk, but his eyes were open and regarding her rather closely.
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