"Not far, I am afraid. But I do know that these books teach one how to bear trouble."
He met her gaze steadily, but something seemed to shut, deep in his eyes. They looked as unassailable as a steel safe. He straightened his big shoulders with a defiant shrug, and returned to sit by Mrs. Pettigrew, to whom he made himself most agreeable.
The four young men did the honors of the tea table, with devotion to all; and some especially intended for the younger ladies. Miss Elder cried out in delight at the tea.
"Where did you get it, Dr. Hale? Can it be had here?"
"I'm afraid not. That is a particular brand. Sun brought me a chest of it when he came from his visit."
When they went home each lady was given a present, Chinese fashion—lychee nuts for Sue, lily-bulbs for Vivian, a large fan for Mrs. Pettigrew, and a package of the wonderful tea for Miss Orella.
"That's a splendid thing for him to do," she said, as they walked back. "Such a safe place for those boys!"
"It's lovely of him," Sue agreed. "I don't care if he is a woman-hater."
Vivian said nothing, but admitted, on being questioned, that "he was very interesting."