She meditated on this for a while, "I begin to understand," she said
with her hesitating smile; and Dr. Lavendar was mightily pleased, for
he had not seen that smile of late.
Sometimes they talked about David, Mrs. Richie asking questions in a
smothered voice; but she never begged for him. That part of her life
was over. Dr. Lavendar sometimes brought the child with him when he
and Goliath climbed the hill for that daily visit: but he always took
him back again. Indeed, the Rectory was now definitely the little
boy's home. Of course Old Chester knew that the Stuffed Animal House
was to lose its tenant, and that David had gone to live with Dr.
Lavendar. "I wonder why she doesn't take him with her?" said Old
Chester; and called to say good-by and hint that Mrs. Richie must be
sorry to leave the little boy behind her? Helena said briefly, yes,
she was "sorry." And Old Chester went away no wiser than it came.
William King, wise and miserable, did not call. His wife said that she
would say good-by for him, if he was too busy to go up the hill.
"It seems to me you've been very busy lately," she told him; "I've
hardly had a glimpse of you. I only hope it will show on your bills.
It is very foolish, William, to take patients so far back in the
country; I don't believe it pays, considering how much time it takes.
But I'll tell Mrs. Richie you send your respects, and say good-by for
you."
"You needn't mind," said the doctor.
Mrs. King went to make her adieux the very next day. Her manner was so
cordial that Helena was faintly surprised; but, as Martha told Dr.
Lavendar, cordiality did not mean the sacrifice of truth to any false
idea of politeness.
"I didn't tell her I was sorry she was going," Martha said, standing
by the roadside in the chill November wind, talking into the buggy,
"because, to speak flatly and frankly, I am not. I don't consider that
her example is very good for Old Chester, She is not a good
housekeeper. I could tell you certain things--however, I won't, I
never gossip. I just said, very kindly,' Good-by, Mrs. Richie. I hope
you'll have a pleasant journey.' That was all. No insincere regrets.
That's one thing about me, Dr. Lavendar, I may not be perfect, but I
never say anything, just to be pleasant!"
"I've noticed that," said Dr. Lavendar; "G'on, Goliath."