"Yes, indeed, we really do need her, Traverse," said the doctor"s daughter.
"Traverse!" It had made him proud to hear her call him for the first time in his life, "Mr. Rocke!" but it made him deeply happy to hear her call him "Traverse." It had such a sisterly sound coming from this sweet creature. How he wished that she really were his sister! But, then, the idea of that fair, golden-haired, blue-eyed, white-robed angel being the sister of such a robust, rugged, sunburned boy as himself! The thought was so absurd, extravagant, impossible, that the poor boy heaved an unconscious sigh.
"Why, what"s the matter, Traverse? What are you thinking of so intently?"
"Of your great goodness, sir, among other things."
"Tut! let"s hear no more of that. I pleased myself," said the doctor; "and now, Traverse, let"s go to work decently and in order. But first let me settle this point--if your good little mother determines in our favor, Traverse, then, of course, you will live with us also, so I shall have my young medical a.s.sistant always at hand. That will be very convenient; and then we shall have no more long, lonesome evenings, Clara, shall we, dear? And now, Traverse, I will mark out your course of study and set you to work at once."
"Shall I leave the room, father?" inquired Clara.
"No, no, my dear; certainly not. I have not had you home so long as to get tired of the sight of you yet! No, Clare, no; you are not in our way--is she, Traverse?"
"Oh, sir, the idea--" stammered Traverse, blushing deeply to be so appealed to.
In his way! Why, a pang had shot through his bosom at the very mention of her going.
"Very well, then. Here, Traverse, here are your books. You are to begin with this one; keep this medical dictionary at hand for reference. Bless me, it will bring back my student days to go over the ground with you, my boy."
Clara took her work-box and sat down to st.i.tch a pair of dainty wristbands for her father"s shirts.
The doctor took up the morning papers.
Traverse opened his book and commenced his readings. It was a quiet but by no means a dull circle. Occasionally Clara and her father exchanged words, and once in a while the doctor looked over his pupil"s shoulder or gave him a direction.
Traverse studied _con amore_ and with intelligent appreciation. The presence of the doctor"s lovely daughter, far from disturbing him, calmed and steadied his soul into a state of infinite content. If the presence of the beautiful girl was ever to become an agitating element, the hour had not yet come.
So pa.s.sed the time until the dinner bell rang.
By the express stipulation of the doctor himself, it was arranged that Traverse should always dine with his family. After dinner an hour--which the doctor called a digestive hour--was spent in loitering about and then the studies were resumed.
At six o"clock in the evening Traverse took leave of the doctor and his fair daughter and started for home.
"Be sure to persuade your mother to come, Traverse," said Clara.
"She will not need persuasion; she will be only too glad to come, miss,"
said Traverse, with a deep bow, turning and hurrying away toward home.
With "winged feet" he ran down the wooded hill and got into the highway, and hastened on with such speed that in half an hour he reached his mother"s little cottage. He was agog with joy and eagerness to tell her the good news.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE RESIGNED SOUL.
This day be bread and peace my lot; All else beneath the sun Thou knowest if best bestowed or not, And let thy will be done.
--Pope.
Poor Marah Rocke had schooled her soul to resignation; had taught herself just to do the duty of each day as it came, and leave the future--where, indeed, it must always remain--in the hands of G.o.d. Since the doctor"s delicate and judicious kindness had cherished her life, some little health and cheerfulness had returned to her.
Upon this particular evening of the day upon which Traverse entered upon his medical studies she felt very hopeful.
The little cottage fire burned brightly; the hearth was swept clean; the tea kettle was singing over the blaze; the tiny tea table, with its two cups and saucers and two plates and knives was set: everything was neat, comfortable and cheerful for Traverse"s return. Marah sat in her little low chair, putting the finishing touches to a set of fine shirts.
She was not anxiously looking for her son, for he had told her that he should stay at the doctor"s until six o"clock; therefore she did not expect him until seven.
But so fast had Traverse walked that just as the minute hand pointed to half-past six the latch was raised and Traverse ran in--his face flushed with joy.
The first thing he did was to run to his mother, fling his arms around her neck and kiss her. Then he threw himself into his chair to take breath.
"Now, then, what"s the matter, Traverse? You look as if somebody had left you a fortune!"
"And so they have, or, as good as done so!" exclaimed Traverse, panting for breath.
"What in the world do you mean?" exclaimed Marah, her thoughts naturally flying to Old Hurricane, and suggesting his possible repentance or relenting.
"Read that, mother! read that!" said Traverse, eagerly putting a note into her hand.
She opened it and read:
Willow Heights--Monday.
Dear Madam--My little daughter Clara, fourteen years of age, has just returned from boarding-school to pursue her studies at home.
Among other things, she must learn domestic affairs, of which she knows nothing. If you will accept the position of housekeeper and matronly companion of my daughter, I will make the terms such as shall reconcile you to the change. We shall also do all that we can to make you happy. Traverse will explain to you the details. Take time to think of it, but if possible let us have your answer by Traverse when he comes to-morrow. If you accede to this proposition you will give my daughter and myself sincere satisfaction.
Yours truly, WILLIAM DAY.
Marah finished reading, and raised her eyes, full of amazement, to the face of her son.
"Mother!" said Traverse, speaking fast and eagerly, "they say they really cannot do without you! They have troops of servants; but the old cook is in her dotage and does all sorts of strange things, such as frying buckwheat cakes in lamp oil and the like!"
"Oh, hush! what exaggeration!"
"Well, I don"t say she does that exactly, but she isn"t equal to her situation without a housekeeper to look after her, and they want you very much, indeed!"
"And what is to become of your home, if I break up?" suggested the mother.
"Oh, that is the very best of it! The doctor says if you consent to come that I must also live there, and that then he can have his medical a.s.sistant always at hand, which will be very convenient!"
Marah smiled dubiously.
"I do not understand it, but one thing I do know, Traverse! There is not such a man as the doctor appears in this world more than once in a hundred years."
"Not in a thousand years, mother, and as for his daughter--oh, you should see Miss Clara, mother! Her father calls her Clare--Clare Day!
how the name suits her! She is so fair and bright! with such a warm, thoughtful, sunny smile that goes right to your heart! Her face is, indeed, like a clear day, and her beautiful smile is the sunshine that lights it up!" said the enthusiastic youth, whose admiration was as yet too simple and single-hearted and unselfish to tie his tongue.
The mother smiled at his earnestness--smiled without the least misgiving; for, to her apprehension, the youth was still a boy, to wonder at and admire beauty, without being in the least danger of having his peace of mind disturbed by love. And as yet her idea of him was just.