"I hope not," said Dr. Gregory, smiling; one corner of his
mouth for his guest and the other for his niece. "Real enough
to do real execution, or I am mistaken, Sir."

"Upon my word, Sir," said Dr. Quackenboss, bowing again, "I
hope — a — Miss Ringgan — will remember the acts of her
executive power at home, and return in time to prevent an
unfortunate termination!"

Dr. Gregory laughed heartily now, while Fleda's cheeks
relieved her dress to admiration.

"Who will complain of her if she don't?" said the doctor. "Who
will complain of her if she don't?"

But Fleda put in her question.

"How are you all at home, Dr. Quackenboss?"

"All Queechy, Sir," answered the doctor, politely, on the
principle of 'first come, first served' — "and individuals — I
shouldn't like to specify" —

"How are you all in Queechy, Dr. Quackenboss?" said Fleda.

"I — have the pleasure to say — we are coming along as usual,"
replied the doctor, who seemed to have lost his power of
standing up straight. "My sister Flora enjoys but poor health
lately — they are all holding their heads up at your house.