She sat down on the step and waited.
Bubble busied himself with tying up the bottles.

Presently he stepped out from behind the desk.
"Think you can mind the office while I run around with these medicines ?" he asked sternly.
"Sure!" Ann's assent was placid.
"What'll you say if any one comes and asks for the doctor--or me ?" "You're out delivering medicines and the doctor's been called away very sudden." "What'll you tell them if they ask you what he's been called away to ?" "Oh, I'll just say they needn't worry, 'tisn't anything catching." Bubble allowed his face to relax.

He even displayed a grudging admiration for this feminine diplomacy.
"And you wouldn't be telling lies, either," he remarked approvingly.
"All the same," with a return to gloom, "we can't keep it a secret.
Folks are bound to find out.

You can bet your eyes on that!" Ann nodded.

"I expect most of them know by now.