Mr. Steen was brought to Mercy Hospital and taken quickly in for coronary surgery. The operation went well and as the groggy man regained consciousness, he was reassured by the doctor who was waiting by his bed.
“You’re going to be just fine, Mr. Steen,” the doctor said.
The doctor was joined by a nurse who said, “We do need to know, however, how you intend to pay for your stay here. Are you covered by insurance?”
Mr. Steen said, “No, I’m not,” in a whisper.
“Then can you pay in cash?” the nurse persisted.
“I’m afraid I cannot.”
“Well, do you have any close relatives?” the nurse questioned sternly.
“Just my sister in New York,” he volunteered. “But she took a vow of poverty, she’s a nun…in fact a spinster, no family.”
“Oh, I must correct you, Mr. Steen. Nuns are not spinsters—they are married to God.”
“Wonderful, wonderful,” Mr. Steen. “In that case, please send my bill to my brother-in-law.”