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eatment that was slowly lessening her lameness and pain. David had so far recovered as to have been appointed office boy for Dr. Dudley, a position which was, according to David's version, "all pay and no work." But somebody was needed to answer telephone calls during the physician's absence, as well as to note any messages that might arrive for him, and David's strength was now sufficient for the service. So the arrangement was proving a very happy one, and was especially enjoyed by Polly and Leonora. As their acquaintances drifted away from the hospital, and strangers drifted in, these three became close friends. The girls would join David in the office, generally bringing their dolls with them, when David would be the one to tell or read a story, for his aunt kept him well supplied with interesting tales. Sometimes, especially in the early twilight hour, Dr. Dudley was story-teller; or more often they would talk over together the happenings of the day, the children unconsciously gathering from the physician's rich store bits of wisdom that would abide with them as long as memory lived. They were watching for him, one night, when the telephone bell rang. David sprang to answer the call, and the girls heard him say:-- "No, sir, he is not in.--He went out about an hour ago.--We expect him every minute now.--Yes, sir, I will." The boy came back looking a little excited. "It was Uncle David!" he told them. "He says he is sick, and he wants Dr. Dudley to come over." "Oh, dear," scowled Polly; "I hope ther is n't anything bad the matter with him!" "It is the first time I ever spoke to him," said David slowly. "But, of course, he did n't know it was I that was talking." "There's the Doctor!" cried Leonora, as a runabout stopped at the entrance. "Shall I go tell him?" and Polly started. But the lad was already on his way. "Let me, please!" he answered. "I want to do that much for Uncle David." "I thought it might tire him to go fast," murmured Polly, apologetically, as she joined Leonora at the window. "He'll get all out of breath!" worried Leonora. "Just see him run!" "He is n't thinking of himself," Polly responded. "It's just like him! But his heart is pretty strong now, I guess. Though Doctor told him to be careful." David returned a little pale, and Polly made him lie down on the couch. He did not seem inclined to talk, and the girls waited at the window, conversing in low to
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