"I can't eat, because there's the family dinner, you know, but I'll sit with you anyway. What have you got?"
Mrs. Hansen put the supper on the table and retired behind a closed door.
"Cream-toast--dried beef--soda-biscuits--well, I don't call that a solid meal after a good day's work! That's an old lady's supper. Why don't you have a steak, Father, something substantial?"
"Can't, my dear," he said smiling. "Too heavy for me--can't eat much meat. This is just what I like."
He tucked the napkin under his thin beard, still auburn more than grey, and began to eat. Mary took a biscuit and broke it open.
"It's light," she conceded. "I guess she's a good enough cook."
"Oh, she's first-rate--I live in clover," smiled Dr. Lowell.
"Oh, yes.... But say, how splendid you look, Mary! Been to some grand blowout?"
"No, I made some calls. Do you like this bonnet?"
"It's fine--what there is of it. Dress too--there's plenty of that. Why have that long tail on it?"
"Well, it's the fashion," said Mary indulgently.
"You look very nice indeed. Better than you have all summer."
"Well, Father, I can't say as much for you. You look tired out."
"I am, at night. But I get up like a lark in the morning."
"You work too hard. You ought to have a man to drive you now, and an assistant--and only go out on great occasions, when you get a big fee, you know!"
A faint uneasiness showed in Dr. Lowell's face.
"Now don't you go trying to take away my work. That's the quick way to break a man up.... I'm going to die in harness," he declared.
"Well, I'm afraid you will," and Mary's lips quivered. He was quick to notice and to soothe her.
"Don't you worry. There's a lot of work in the old man yet. I'm not seventy. And I don't go out much at night any more, you know, or in very bad weather--unless it's life or death.... Oh, they have to consider me now!"
"Well, it's time they did. You never considered yourself."
There was unwonted emotion in her face and voice. He was touched, and surprised.
"I should think you'd be proud of me," he said lightly. "All these smart young doctors in town--but they don't get _my_ practice unless I want to give it to 'em.... People sending for me from all over the county--pay my expenses and anything I want to ask. _They_ don't think I'm too old to work."