New Britain herald., 1922-02-25
The Retort Dicky Drew From Madge


 If pr. Pettit's social manner were only as charming as his protessiona manner he would be of much greater use to himself and 10 every one else
 This reflection came 10 me, not for the first time. as I saw him bend over my mother-in-law when he had arrived In record time after Dicky's frantic telephone summons He appears instnctively 10 know what manner 10 adopt with each patient and his address 10 my mother-in " Is invariably tingcd with sort of saturnine banter which l have noticed she enjoys.
 You evidently like to have yonr limbs different from those of other people" he said 10 her, as he took up with infinite care the limp arm by her side. This is the second one you've smashed. isn't it2'
 That ought not to worry you" she retorted with a grim little smile. which knew hid intense pain. What would you fellows do without fool old women like me? You'd miss half your practice. And now hurry up with whatever you've got to do. This isn't very much fun, I can tell you"
 Facing Facts.
 'I know it." he said mpathetical- ly. Just let me listen a second, and l think l can save you a good deal Of pain"
 He took a stethoscope from it's case and listened carefully to my mother in-law's heart. which has not for years been all that it should be.
 Surprisingly good" he commented. T was afraid I might not be able to use this. but l shall. after all"
 This was 8 hypodermic syringe. which he proceeded to use on Mother Craham's arm That he had used but a mild dose I deduced from the fact that she did not succumb en- tirely to it's influence. moaning and turning her head restlessly while the setting of the fractured arm was in progress. But that the opiate had saved her the worst of the pain was patent to us all, and we were cor respondingly relieved, It has always seemed especially terrible to me to see children or elderly persons suffer,
 And now we must face a few facts" 1 said when, after everything was over Mother Graham had fallen asleep, and Lillian and I were putting things to rights in the living room.
 "Yes, MT. Cadgrind.' agree Lil- lian mischievously and I flushed even as l smiled at her little thrust, for I realized that my manner had been a bit didactic.
 We simply must have competent help in the kitchen for the next few weeks I went on. You know I've been through this broken-arm busi- ness with Mother Graham before''
 'I remem Der it was some party '" Lillian interpolated with an amuesd little chuckle.
 Exactly and she and Junior will take up most Of my time, you must be free for your work and there will be no one to break in new maid therefore I am going after Katie.'
 A Different Dicky.
 II takes a good deal to startle Li- lian. but I saw by the quick look she gave me that I had accomplished this feat.
 Do you think she will come back 2" she asked quietly. If it lay simply between yoo and her, was house. keeping problem, it would be different, but you know what she said about not being able to bear it here with Jim gone in the way he has"
 T know" I said desperately, but it's case of the boy and the wood- chuck. I've just got to get her"
 Will you tell your mother-in- law you are going for her?"
 "Yes, it will keep her mind more occupied than could any other possible topic. And please don't think I'm shirking the nursing if ] start early tomorrow morning for the city and Katie. These first few days Mother