"We did have an important case, my dear," the Doctor replied, "and it
was Dan who caused our delay."

"That's it; lay it on to somebody else like you always do. What in the
world could poor Brother Matthews be doing to keep him from a good meal?"

"He was studying--let me see, what was it, Dan? Art, Political
Economy--or Theology?"

Dan smiled. "I think it might have been the theory and practice of
medicine," he returned. At which they both laughed and the others joined
in, though for his life the Doctor couldn't see why.

"Well," said the Elder, when he had finished his shrill cackle, "we
better go in and discuss supper awhile; that's always a satisfactory
subject at least." Which was a pretty good one for Nathaniel.

When the meal was finished, they all went out on the front porch again,
where it soon became evident that Nathaniel did not propose to waste
more time in light and frivolous conversation. By his familiar and
ponderous "Ahem--ahem!" even Dan understood that he was anxious to get
down to the real business of the evening, and that he was determined to
do his full duty, or--as he would have said--"to keep that which was
committed unto him."

"Ahem--ahem!" A hush fell upon the little company, the women turned
their chairs expectantly, and the Doctor slipped over to the end of the
porch to enjoy his evening cigar. The Elder had the field.