The door
opened as he disappeared.
Mrs. Porter's rules concerning visitors, though stringent as regarded
Mamie, were capable of being relaxed when she herself was the person to
relax them. She had a visitor with her now--a long, severe-looking lady
with a sharp nose surmounted by spectacles, who, taking in the white
tiles, the thermometer, the cot, and the brass knobs in a single
comprehensive glance, observed: "Admirable!"
Mrs, Porter was obviously pleased with this approval. Her companion was
a woman doctor of great repute among the advanced apostles of hygiene;
and praise from her was praise indeed. She advanced into the room with
an air of suppressed pride.
"These tiles are thoroughly cleaned twice each day with an antiseptic
solution."
"Just so," said the spectacled lady.
"You notice the thermometer."
"Exactly."
"Those knobs you see on the wall have various uses."
"Quite."
They examined the knobs with an air of profound seriousness, Mrs.
Porter erect and complacent, the other leaning forward and peering
through her spectacles. Mamie took advantage of their backs and turned
to cast a hurried glance at the water-proof curtain. It was certainly
an admirable screen; no sign of Steve was visible; but nevertheless she
did not cease to quake.
"This," said Mrs. Porter, "controls the heat.
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