"It has begun to drip," said David briefly. "Does Alice live at your
house?"
"Alice!"
"The gentleman--your brother--said Alice was nineteen. I thought maybe
she lived at your house."
"No, dear. Look at the apple!"
David looked. "Why not?"
"Why, she lives at her own house, dear little boy." "Does she pay you
a visit?"
"No. David, I think the apple is done. Why didn't you roast one for
Dr. Lavendar?"
"I had to do it for you because you're company. Why doesn't she pay
you a visit?"
"Because--oh, for a good many reasons. I'm afraid must go home now."
The child slipped from her knee with unflattering haste. "You've got
to eat your apple first," he said, and ran to get a saucer and spoon.
With great care the thread was broken and the apple secured. Then
David sat calmly down in front of her to watch her eat it; but after
the first two or three mouthfuls, Dr. Lavendar had pity on her, and
the smoky skin and the hard core were banished to the dining-room.
While the little boy was carrying them off, she said eagerly, that she
wanted him.
"You'll let me have him?"
"I'm going to keep him for a while."
"Oh, do give him to me!" she urged.
"Not yet. You come here and see him. I won't make ye eat a roast apple
every time." He smiled at her as he spoke, for she was clasping her
hands, and her eyes were eager and shining.
"I must have him! I must!"
"No use teasing--here comes Dr. King. He'll tell you I'm an obstinate
old man. Hey, Willy, my boy! Ain't I an obstinate old man?"
"You are," said William. He had walked in unannounced, in good Old
Chester fashion, and stood smiling in the doorway.
"Oh, plead my cause!" she said, turning to him.
"Of course I will. But it isn't much use; we are all under his heel."
They were standing, for Mrs. Richie had said she must go, when Dr.
Lavendar had an idea: "Would you mind seeing her home, Willy?" he
said, in an aside. "I was going to send Mary, but this is a chance to
get better acquainted with her--if you're not too tired."
"Of course I'm not too tired," the doctor said eagerly, and went back
to the fireside where Mrs. Richie had dropped on her knees before
David. "I'm going to walk home with you," he announced. She looked up
with a quick protest, but he only laughed. "If we let you go alone,
your brother will think we have no manners in Old Chester. Besides I
need the walk." And when she had fastened her cloak, and kissed David
good night, and thrown Dr. Lavendar an appealing look, William gave
her his hand down the two steps from the front door, and then made her
take his arm. Dr. Lavendar had provided a lantern, and as its shifting
beam ran back and forth across the path the doctor bade her be careful
where she stepped. "These flag-stones are abominably rough," he said;
"I never noticed it before. And one can't see in the dark."