The doctor knew that at least a dozen individuals were waiting for him
that moment; but still he was in no hurry, he said, and so for half an
hour longer he sat there talking of Guy, and Jessie, and Aikenside,
and wondering he had never before observed how very becoming a white
wrapper was to sick girls like Maddy Clyde. Had he been asked the
question, he could not have told whether his other patients were
habited in buff, or brown, or tan color; but he knew all about Maddy's
garb, and thought the dainty frill around her slender throat the
prettiest "puckered piece" that he had ever seen. How, then, was Dr.
Holbrook losing his heart to that little girl of fourteen and a half?
He did not think so. Indeed, he did not think anything about his
heart, though thoughts of Maddy Clyde were pretty constantly with him,
as after leaving her he paid his round of visits.
The Aikenside carriage was standing at Mrs. Conner's gate when he
returned, and Jessie came running out to meet him, followed by Guy,
while Agnes, in the most becoming riding habit, sat by the window
looking as unconcerned at his arrival as if it were not the very event
for which she had been impatiently waiting, Jessie was a great pet
with the doctor, and, lifting her lightly in his arms, he kissed her
forehead where the golden curls were clustering and said to her: "I have seen Maddy Clyde. She asked for you, and why you do not come
to see her, as you promised."
"Mother won't let me," Jessie answered. "She says they are not fit
associates for a Remington."
There was a sudden flash of contempt on the doctor's face, and a gleam
of wrath in Agnes' eyes as she motioned Jessie to be silent, and then
gracefully received the doctor, who by this time was in the room. As
if determined to monopolize the conversation, and keep it from turning
on the Markhams, Agnes rattled on for nearly fifteen minutes, scarcely
allowing Guy a chance for uttering a word. But Guy bided his time, and
seized the first favorable opportunity to inquire after Madeline.
She was improving rapidly, the doctor said, adding: "You ought to have
seen her delight when I gave her your bouquet."
"Indeed," and Agnes bridled haughtily; "I did not know that Guy was in
the habit of sending bouquets to such as this Clyde girl. I really
must report him to Miss Atherstone."
Guy's seat was very near to Agnes, and while a cloud overspread his
fine features, he said to her in an aside: "Please say in your report that the worst thing about this Clyde girl
is that she aspires to be a teacher, and possibly a governess."