DR. KNIGHT IS SUMMONED TO LONDON
IT was eight o'clock on a fine October morning. There was a touch of frost in the air that made the sunshine which gilded the steadily falling leaves from the beech trees bordering the road outside Dr. Knight's house feel genial and comforting.
In the pleasant sitting-room facing the high road sat the doctor, his children, and their governess at breakfast. The head of the family was a tall, muscular man, with a bronzed face, and kind, grey eyes. There was about him a look of perfect health, that made his patients in the country town of Raymouth say his very presence in a sick-room was cheering; and possessing great skill as a surgeon, added to one of the most sympathetic hearts in the world, it was no wonder he had an increasing practice. Indeed, he needed it, for his wife was an invalid, and he had four children, and no private means.
As the doctor read his letters, which had been placed by his plate, the children chatted merrily.
"I wish it was a holiday!" cried Nellie, aged six, glancing out at the sunshine, and pouting. "Miss Clarke, cannot we have a holiday? Do say yes!"
"Why no, Nellie, certainly not," the governess answered promptly. "It is not to be thought of for a moment."
She was a pretty, bright woman, young enough to be in sympathy with her little pupils, and she looked at them smilingly as she spoke. Dora, who was eight, a quiet, good-tempered child, accepted the governess' verdict without a remonstrance, but the two elder children looked stormy, and whispered to each other.
George and David Knight were twins, fine little fellows of ten years old, mischievous and tiresome in many ways, but, in spite of their loud voices and boisterous manners, really kind-hearted. They were much alike, taking after their father in appearance, as did the two girls, all the children being pictures of health—a family to be proud of, or rather to thank God for.
"It rained last Saturday," David remarked presently. "Miss Clarke, do you remember it rained last Saturday?"
"Quite well. I was as sorry as you children were, I assure you. Nevertheless, you cannot have a holiday to-day. Come, cheer up! Lesson-time will soon pass, and then we'll have a nice long walk in the woods before dinner."