"Why do you run off in such a
hurry? You can stretch out right here on my sofa...." She paused, and
her smile grew more motherly. "Afterwards--if there's been any talk at
home, and you want to get away for a while... I have a lady friend in
Boston who's looking for a companion... you're the very one to suit her,
my dear...."
Charity had reached the door. "I don't want to stay. I don't want to
come back here," she stammered, her hand on the knob; but with a swift
movement, Dr. Merkle edged her from the threshold.
"Oh, very well. Five dollars, please."
Charity looked helplessly at the doctor's tight lips and rigid face.
Her last savings had gone in repaying Ally for the cost of Miss Balch's
ruined blouse, and she had had to borrow four dollars from her friend
to pay for her railway ticket and cover the doctor's fee. It had never
occurred to her that medical advice could cost more than two dollars.
"I didn't know... I haven't got that much..." she faltered, bursting into
tears.
Dr. Merkle gave a short laugh which did not show her teeth, and inquired
with concision if Charity supposed she ran the establishment for her own
amusement? She leaned her firm shoulders against the door as she spoke,
like a grim gaoler making terms with her captive.
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