"Seems like a pretty thorough biographical sketch, Amos."
He had made this same observation, just at this same place, upon each of the previous readings; and the editor had hesitated, cleared his throat—as he now did—before continuing with the only mention Marian had written of this great surgeon's future, which was, briefly:
"When the war is over, he is coming out to Hillsdale."
For a fourth time now Mr. Strong's eyes grew moist, as he asked:
"What do you suppose he wants to come out here to Hillsdale for?"
The Colonel had not previously deigned to answer this; he had merely subsided into silence and let a lump rise in his throat in sympathy with the editor. This time, however, he turned squarely to his friend and asked:
"Amos, are you trying to be a pig-headed old fool, or do you really want the truth!"
Mr. Strong looked at him rather humorously.
"I think I'll dodge the truth, at any rate, Roger—until this doctor arrives. How do you think Miss Sallie and Miss Veemie will take it?"
"Take it? Why, they'll take it just as we do—with joyful hearts, because their boy and our girl have achieved great things! I never wanted her to marry Jeb, anyhow!" And to Mr. Strong's smile of surprise, he thundered: "By cracky, I tell you I didn't, Roger! Jeb was too immature for her—he had yet to prove himself!"