Lavendar had to recall who "Alice" was before
he could say "yes." Then a little table was pulled up, and the
dominoes were poured out upon it, with a joyful clatter. For the next
half hour they were both very happy. In the midst of it David
remarked, thoughtfully: "There are two kinds of aunts. One is bugs.
She is the other kind." And after Dr. Lavendar had stopped chuckling
they discussed the relative merits of standing the dominoes upright,
or putting them on their sides, and Dr. Lavendar built his fence in
alternate positions, which was very effective. It was so exciting that
bedtime was a real trial to them both. At the last stroke of eight
David clenched both hands.
"Perhaps the clock is fast?"
Dr. Lavendar compared it with his watch, and shook his head
sympathetically. "No; just right. Tumble 'em back into the box. Good
night."
"Good night, sir," David said, and stood hesitating. The color came
and went in his face, and he twisted the top button of his jacket with
little nervous fingers.
"Good night," Dr. Lavendar repeated, significantly.
But still David hesitated. Then he came and stood close beside Dr.
Lavendar. "Lookee here," he said tremulously, "_I'll_ call you Edward.
I'd just as lieves as not."
There was a full minute's silence. Then Dr. Lavendar said, "I thank
you, David. That is a kind thought. But no; I like Dr. Lavendar as a
name.
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