She thought that his head
in profile was very fine, though certainly his nose was too prominent
for beauty. But what she was wondering was whether the little Doctor had
really changed so much after all.
"Well," said she, slowly, "I'm sorry you're going."
"Sorry--why? It would appear to me that under the tenets of your
religion you ought to be glad. You ought to compliment me for going."
"I don't find anything in the tenets of my religion that requires you to
go off and room-keep with Professor Nicolovius."
"You do not? It is a tremendous kindness to him, I assure you. To have a
place of his own has long been his dream, he tells me; but he cannot
afford it without the financial assistance I would give. Again, even if
he could finance it, he would not venture to try it alone, because of
his health. It appears that he is subject to some kind of
attacks--heart, I suppose--and does not want to be alone. I have heard
him walking his floor at 3 o'clock in the morning. Do you know anything
about his life?"
"No. Nothing."
"I know everything."
He paused for her to ask him questions, that he might have the pleasure
of refusing her.
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