The doctor could not tell at once, but after a little thought made an
estimate, and then inquired why Guy had asked the question.
"Because, Doc, I have a project on foot. Lucy Atherstone is dying with
what they call consumption. I don't believe those old fogies
understand her disease, and if you will go over to England and
undertake her cure, I'll give you just double what you'll get by
remaining here. They are going to Naples for the winter, and,
undoubtedly, will spend some time in Paris. It will be just the thing
for you. Lucy and her mother will be glad of your services when they
know I sent you, Lucy likes you now. Will you go? You can trust Maddy
to me. I'll take good care that she is worthy of you when you come
back."
At the mention of Maddy's name, the doctor's brow darkened. He was
sure that Guy meant kindly, but it grated on his feelings to be thus
joked about what he knew was a stern reality. Guy's project appeared
to him at first a most insane one, but as he continued to enlarge upon
it, and the advantage it would be to the doctor to travel in the old
world, a feeling of enthusiasm was kindled in his own breast; a desire
to visit Naples and France, and the places he had dreamed of as a boy,
but never hoped to see, Guy's plan began to look more feasible, and
possibly he might have yielded but for one thought, and that a thought
of Maddy Clyde. He would not leave her alone with Guy, even though Guy
was true to Lucy as steel. He would stay; he would watch; and in time
he would win the young girl waiting now for him in the hall below,
waiting to tell him 'mid blushes of shame and tears of regret how she
had meant to pay him with her very first wages, but now, Uncle Joseph
was coming home, and he must wait a little longer.
"Would he, could he be so good?" and unmindful of Guy's presence Maddy
laid her hand confidingly upon his arm, while her soft eyes looked
beseechingly into his.
How the doctor wished Guy was away, and kindly taking the hint, Guy
left them together in the lighted hall. Sitting down on the sofa, and
making Maddy sit beside him, the doctor began: "Maddy, you know I mean what I say, at least to you, and when I tell
you that I never think of that bill except when you speak of it, you
will believe me. I know your grandfather's circumstances, and I know,
too, that I did much to induce your sickness, consequently if I made
one out at all, it would be a very small one."