`` It 's a bad time for colds , '' said the doctor , sitting down and attacking the fire . `` I dare say , though , you have to run so fast these days that a cold could n't catch you . I suppose you 'll soon be leaving Sampson 's . He told me he did n't need you after the holiday season was over . What are you going at next ? Have you anything in view ? '' Bertie shook his head sorrowfully . `` No , sir ; but , '' he added more cheerfully , `` I guess I 'll find something if I hunt around lively . I almost always do . '' He forgot his shyness ; his face flushed hopefully , and he looked straight at the doctor with his bright , earnest eyes . The doctor poked the fire energetically and looked very wise . But just then the girls came up and carried Bertie off to display their holiday gifts . And there was a fur cap and a pair of mittens for him ! He wondered whether he was dreaming . `` And here 's a picture-book for William John , '' said Amy , `` and there is a sled out in the kitchen for him . Oh , there 's the dinner-bell . I 'm awfully hungry . Papa says that is my ` normal condition , ' but I do n't know what that means . '' As for that dinner -- Bertie might sometimes have seen such a repast in delightful dreams , but certainly never out of them . It was a feast to be dated from .
When the plum pudding came on , the doctor , who had been notably silent , leaned back in his chair , placed his finger-tips together , and looked critically XXXXX Bertie .
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