Some of the
best men I've met were just country doctors, working night and day in
all sorts of weather and getting paid or not, just as it happened. That
old Doctor Harley down in your town is one of that kind, I think. I saw
something of his work while I was there."

"Did you? I shouldn't have thought you had time for that, with all the
picnics and sailing parties."

"I did, though. I met him at Sam's. Mrs. Keith had a cold or a cough or
something. He and I got to talking and he asked me to come and see him.
I went, you bet! Went out with him on some of his drives while he made
his calls, you know. He told me a lot of things. He's a brick."

"It's queer," he went on, after a moment, "but I felt really at home
down there in that little place. Seemed as if I had been there before
and--and--by George, almost as if I belonged there. It was my first
experience on and around salt water, but that seemed natural, too. And
the people--I mean the people that belong there, not the summer crowd--I
liked them immensely. Those two fine old cards that kept the store--Eh,
I beg pardon; they are relatives of yours, aren't they? I forgot."

"They are my uncles," said Mary, simply. "I have lived with them almost
all my life. They are the best men in the world."

"They seemed like it. I'd like to know them better. Hello! here's that
confounded church. I've enjoyed this walk ever so much. Guess I've done
all the talking, though. Hope I haven't bored you to death gassing about
my affairs."

"No, you haven't. I enjoyed it."

"Did you really? Yes, I guess you did or you wouldn't say so. You don't
act like a girl that pretends. By George! It's a relief to have someone
to talk to, someone that understands and appreciates what a fellow is
thinking about. Most girls want to talk football and dancing and all
that. I like football immensely and dancing too, but there is something
else in life. Even Sam--he's as good as they make but he doesn't care to
listen to anything serious--that is, not long."

Mary considered. "I enjoyed listening," she said, "and I was glad to
hear you liked South Harniss and my uncles."

On the way home, after the service, it was Sam Keith who escorted Mary,
while Mrs. Wyeth walked with Mr. Smith. Sam's conversation was not
burdened with seriousness. Hockey, dances, and good times were the
subjects he dealt with. Was his companion fond of dancing? Would she
accompany him to one of the club dances some time? They w