His wife said that she
would say good-by for him, if he was too busy to go up the hill.
"It seems to me you've been very busy lately," she told him; "I've
hardly had a glimpse of you. I only hope it will show on your bills.
It is very foolish, William, to take patients so far back in the
country; I don't believe it pays, considering how much time it takes.
But I'll tell Mrs. Richie you send your respects, and say good-by for
you."
"You needn't mind," said the doctor.
Mrs. King went to make her adieux the very next day. Her manner was so
cordial that Helena was faintly surprised; but, as Martha told Dr.
Lavendar, cordiality did not mean the sacrifice of truth to any false
idea of politeness.
"I didn't tell her I was sorry she was going," Martha said, standing
by the roadside in the chill November wind, talking into the buggy,
"because, to speak flatly and frankly, I am not. I don't consider that
her example is very good for Old Chester, She is not a good
housekeeper. I could tell you certain things--however, I won't, I
never gossip. I just said, very kindly,' Good-by, Mrs. Richie. I hope
you'll have a pleasant journey.' That was all. No insincere regrets.
That's one thing about me, Dr. Lavendar, I may not be perfect, but I
never say anything, just to be pleasant!"
"I've noticed that," said Dr. Lavendar; "G'on, Goliath."
And Martha, in great spirits, told her William at tea, that, though
Dr.
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