Chapter 50
tragic parts on the yet unbuilt stage, she felt a deep interest in
the project and begged Dan to lose no time in beginning his
experiment. Bess also confessed that studies from nature would be
good for her, and wild scenery improve her taste, which might grow
over-nice if only the delicate and beautiful were set before her.
'I speak for the practice of the new town,' said Nan, always eager
for fresh enterprises. 'I shall be ready by the time you get well
started--towns grow so fast out there.'
'Dan isn't going to allow any woman under forty in his place. He
doesn't like them, 'specially young and pretty ones,' put in Tom, who
was raging with jealousy, because he read admiration for Nan in Dan's
eyes.
'That won't affect me, because doctors are exceptions to all rules.
There won't be much sickness in Dansville, everyone will lead such
active, wholesome lives, and only energetic young people will go
there. But accidents will be frequent, owing to wild cattle, fast
riding, Indian scrimmages, and the recklessness of Western life. That
will just suit me. I long for broken bones, surgery is so interesting
and I get so little here,' answered Nan, yearning to put out her
shingle and begin.
'I'll have you, Doctor, and be glad of such a good sample of what we
can do in the East. Peg away, and I'll send for you as soon as I have
a roof to cover you. I'll scalp a few red fellows or smash up a dozen
or so of cowboys for your special benefit,' laughed Dan, well pleased
with the energy and fine physique which made Nan a conspicuous figure
among other girls.
'Thanks. I'll come. Would you just let me feel your arm? Splendid
biceps! Now, boys, see here: this is what I call muscle.' And Nan
delivered a short lecture with Dan's sinewy arm to illustrate it.
Tom retired to the alcove and glowered at the stars, while he swung
his own right arm with a vigour suggestive of knocking someone down.
'Make Tom sexton; he'll enjoy burying the patients Nan kills. He's
trying to get up the glum expression proper to the business. Don't