South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-06-13
THE RETORT DICKY DREW
FROM MADGE.


If Or. Pettit's social manner We're
only as charming as his professional
manner he would be Of much greater
use 10 himself and 10 every one else.
This reflection came 10 me, not for
the first time. as L saw him bend over
my mother-in-law when he had ar
rived in record breaking time after
Dickys frantic telephone summons.
He appears instinctively TO know
what manner TO adopt with each
patient. and his address TO my moth
er-in-law invariably unged with a
sort Of saturnine banter which
have noticed she enjoys.
You evidently like 10 have your
limbs different from those CT 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 it?"
THAT ought not to worry you. .
she retOrted with grim little smile.
What would you fellows do without
fool old women like me? You'd miss
haif your practice. And now. hurry
up with whatever you've got to do.
This isn't very much fun. l can tell
you"
Facing Facts.
II know it. he said sympathetical-
~ 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 nay
mother-in-law's heart. which has no.
for years been all that it should be
Surprisingly good" he comment
ed. Il was afraid I might not be
able 10 use this. but 1 shall after all"
This" was a hypodermic syringe
which he proceeded 10 use on Moth
er Graham's arm. That he had used
but a mild dose I deduced from the
fact that she did not succumb en-
tirely 10 its 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 20 us all. and we were cor
respondingly relieved. Il has always
seemed especially terrible 10 me ia
see children or elderly persons suf-
fer.
And now we must face a few
facts. l said when. after everything
was over Mother Graham had fallen
Isleep, and Lillian and I were putting
things TO rights in the IvinE-roon-
Yes. Mr.. Gadgrind," agreed LII
Ian mischievously. and flushed ever
as I smiled at her little thrust. foI
1 realized that my manner had beer
a bit didactlc.
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 bust.
ness with Mother Graham before"
4 remember Il was some party"
Lillian interrupted with an amused
little chuckle.
Exactly. and she and Junior vii
take up most OF my time. you mus
be free for your work, and there wi.
be no one 20 break in a new maid
therefore 7 am going after Katie"
\ Different Dicky.
Il takes a good deal 20 startle Lii
ian. but I saw by the quick look sh,
gave me that had accomplished
this feat
DO you think she will come
Dack?" she asked quietly. If il lay
simply between YOU and her. was 1
housekeeping problem. II would be
different. but you know what shS
said about not being able 10 bear i
here with jim gone In the way Id
has"
Il know" 1 said desperately, "but
its a case Of the boy and the wood
lChUck I've just get 10 get her"
"Will you tell your mother-in-laW
you are going for her >"
Yes. it viii keep her mind more
occupied than could any other pos
sible topic And please don't thinl
I'm Sinking the nursing Il I STAR
early tomorrow morning for the cir,
and Katie. These first few day.
Mother Graham will be sufferinl
real pain. therefore she VIII be verg
poised and tractable. Dscky viii he'.