"Our acquaintance is really too short to warrant that term." There was a professional formality about his tone which pulled her up short.

Like all impulsive people she was chilled by a lack of responsiveness.

Her impulse in visiting him had hoped for an interest equalling her own.

She reflected now that she should have remembered that nobody liked being bothered with other people's affairs.

She recovered her feminine assurance and went on, with a winning smile.
"But you are in my brother's confidence, doctor--you were present at our family gathering this afternoon.