That he was trying to do good work and win the approval of both pupils and parents was evident to Kate.

Once he said to her that he wondered if it would be a good thing for him to put in an application for the school the coming winter.
Kate stared at him in surprise: "But your profession," she objected.
"You should be in your office and having enough practice to support us by then." "Yes, I should!" he said.

"But this is a new thing, and you know how these clodhoppers are." "If I came as near living in the country, and worked at farming as much as you do, that's the last thing I would call any human being," said Kate.

"I certainly do know how they are, and what I know convinces me that you need not look to them for any patients." "You seem to think I won't have any from any source," he said hotly.
"I confess myself dubious," said Kate.

"You certainly are, or you wouldn't be talking of teaching." "Well, I'll just show you!" he cried.
"I'm waiting," said Kate.