Part 20 (2/2)
”I suppose you think you look like him, but you don't, nor act like him either. If he was sitting there and a lady came in, he'd be up too quick for anything. And if the lady was polite and stayed on the doorstep (just like I am) he would say, 'Pray come in, madam,' and then he'd set a chair and--”
”Oh, cut it out!” Bubble's dignity collapsed with his att.i.tude. The tilted chair came down with a bang and its occupant settled himself more naturally upon a corner of the desk. ”Don't bother me! I can't come out.
Doctor's away. Some one's got to attend to business. See those medicines? Well, don't you go handling them! This here is for Lizzie Stephens (measles), and that there is for Mrs. Nixon (twins). If they got mixed I'd be responsible. Run away!”
”Where's the doctor?” asked Ann, ignoring.
”The doctor is out. You needn't wait. He won't be back all day.”
”Where'd he go?”
”Little girls mustn't ask questions!”
Ann's small face wrinkled into an elfish grin. ”I know where he's gone,”
she said slyly.
”Yes, you do!” This sarcastic comment was Bubble's most emphatic negative.
”Very well, then, I don't.”
Not to be outdone, Ann volunteered no further information. She sat down on the step and waited.
Bubble busied himself with tying up the bottles. Presently he stepped out from behind the desk.
”Think you can mind the office while I run around with these medicines?”
he asked sternly.
”Sure!” Ann's a.s.sent was placid.
”What'll you say if any one comes and asks for the doctor--or me?”
”You're out delivering medicines and the doctor's been called away very sudden.”
”What'll you tell them if they ask you what he's been called away to?”
”Oh, I'll just say they needn't worry, 'tisn't anything catching.”
Bubble allowed his face to relax. He even displayed a grudging admiration for this feminine diplomacy.
”And you wouldn't be telling lies, either,” he remarked approvingly.
”All the same,” with a return to gloom, ”we can't keep it a secret.
Folks are bound to find out. You can bet your eyes on that!”
Ann nodded. ”I expect most of them know by now. Any one that wanted to could see them. _He_ didn't seem to care. They drove right down the main street and you could see the picnic basket sticking out at the side!”
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