Ethel followed anxiously.

She heard the doctor questioning Joe, and she heard him say: "I'm afraid it's ptomaine.
"What does _that_ mean ?" Joe fiercely inquired.

But before Ethel could hear the reply she was called back into the bedroom, where on her bed with both hands clenched Amy was saying: "I can't bear this! Make him give me something--quick!" The rest of the night was a blur and a haze, of which Joe was the centre--Joe half crazed and impatient, making impossible demands.
"You can't get a nurse in a minute, my friend, at five A.M.," the doctor cried.

"I'm doing my best, if you'll give me a chance!" The fight went on.

The nurse arrived, and turning to Ethel the doctor said, "Get him out of this." And she took Joe into the living-room.