Johnny himself was pleased and grateful, and had that sort of
satisfaction which belongs to the finding out of one's own available
talent. He had done what was pronounced the right thing; and not
only that, but he had liked the doing it, and he declared himself not
afraid to encounter another night alone with his cousin. He had
picked up enough vernacular German to make himself understood, and
indeed was a decided favourite with Fraulein Rosalie, who would do
anything for her dear young Herr. It was possible to get a fair
amount of sleep, and Dr. Medlicott felt satisfied that the charge was
not too much for him, and indeed there was no other alternative. The
doctor stayed as long as he could, and did his best to enliven the
dulness by producing a pocketful of Tauchnitzes, and sitting talking
while the patient dozed. Johnny showed such intelligent curiosity as
to the how and why of the symptoms and their counteraction, that
after some explanation the doctor said, "You ought to he one of us,
my friend."
"I have sometimes thought about it," said John.
"Indeed!" cried the doctor, like an enthusiast in his profession; and
John, though not a ready speaker, was drawn on by his notes of
interest to say, "I don't really like anything so much as making out
about man and what one is made of.
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