New Britain herald., 1922-07-24
The Idle Question Lillian Asked Which
 Startled Madge.


 The pompous man snatched at the chance his daughter had given him to save his face by her reference to Don Ramons' need of a physician,
 Sorry .' He jerSed the ridiculous perfunctory little word out at me as If he were making his way out of a middle-of -the-row- seat in a theater then turned to his daughter with an anxious air.
 Did you say Don Ramon was hurt?" he asked
 NO, but his hearts gone back on him bit, He's sitting in the car.'
 I'd better go right out" he said fussily. He may need attention"
 You'd better stay right where you are, his daughter said with decision, He was very upstate about sending me into the house, and if he didn't want me he certainly doesn't want to hear any of your jaw iazz Besides, if he really needs anything, Peter is there-he's got the blood washed off his face by now, and this lady's father is out there, too. And III tell the world if he's Anything like her he's some aDle CltlZen '.
 \ Changed Attitude.
 To my disgust I found myself not only flushing at the rough praise the girl had given me. but feeling a dis tinct reaction in her favor. Was I so spineless, I asked myself indignantly, that a word or two of personal com mendation would change my opinion of person?
 l answered honestly in the affirma- tive, for I began to feel not only a distinct liking for this crude young woman. but a desire to shield her from the disillusionment which was surely coming to her as a result of her romantic interest in the pseudo Don Ramon.
 My father is very experienced in emergencies, I said. "and I am sure your friend will have all necessary at tention. l will get my car out at once and take him with me to the physi- clans. It is really almost as quick to go to his office as to try to get him on the telephone from out In this section for l might go to three houses before I found any one at home Will you give me those other addresses please?" I turned to the pompous father.
 He looked at me with such a meek little expression on his face that it gave me, and.eI think Lillian also an irrestible desire to laugh.
 T am afraid it will be too much trouble for you to have the phys,- l, 1,< l
 "Who is Don Ramon?"
 Have a dozen doctors if you like" I returned and I think that even through his thick epidermis penetrated the amusement at his pompous fussi- ness which I could not hide. I have been through life and death experi- ences when there was less fuss than this man had wished to make over an accident when none of his family had been hurt.
 I had noticed also that he had made no inquiry for his chauffeur the only member of the party who had suf- fered an injury, and l suppose my contemptuous resentment for his heartless indifference showed in my voice.
 Look here, Dad His daughter. who had guessed. ruled the family. spoke emphatically. "We'l be home before Dr. Y. could get out from New York to see Nuns. And it's all non- sense to have Dr. x come over here from Southampton. The nearest phy- sician can give us all the once-over. He can tell us whether Nuns is all right to go back home-which l am sure she will be after a little rest and Mrs. Graham can send a garage man out to look at the car, and tele- phone the house to send another car for us when she's out. We're putting you to an awful lot of trouble, Mrs. Graham"
 There was real apology in her tone, and I answered her warmly.
 Don't talk nonsense :" I said, smiling at her. T am very glad to be able to help you. Is that address ready?"
 turned, bit cavalierly, am afraid, to her father.
 "Er? Oh Yes. yes" he said ner- vously. whipping a richly bound little notebook from his pocket, tearing out a leaf and hastily scribblng upon 1t. "And if you'll kindly send out the best garage man available"
 "Ill do what I can," I replied