He knew something more about the history of Myrtle's adventure than any of his neighbors, and, among other things, that it had given Mr.Byles Gridley a peculiar interest in her, of which he could take advantage.

He therefore artfully hinted his fears to the old man, and left his hint to work itself out.
However suspicious Master Gridley was of him and his motives, he thought it worth while to call up at The Poplars and inquire for himself of the nurse what was this new relation growing up between the physician and his young patient.
She imparted her opinion to him in a private conversation with great freedom.

"Sech doin's! sech doin's! The gal's jest as much bewitched as ever any gal was sence them that was possessed in Scriptur'.

And every day it 's wus and wus.

Ef that Doctor don't stop comin', she won't breathe without his helpin' her to before long.