“So my scamp has gone back to England, has he? I wonder if he will try to marry a dook’s darter? Or a markiss’ widder? He’s got cheek enough for anything! I declare, I ought to follow him up, to keep him out of mischief! I mean, of course, out of doing other folks mischief! I don’t care a snap of my finger how much mischief he does himself! The more, the better, sez I! But I ought to go for him to prevent him from preying upon other people! And I would, too, if I had money enough! ’Pon my word, I’m a great mind to go to New York and try to get a place as stewardess on one of the ocean steamers, so as to go after him! I’ll think of it, anyway.”
The conversation was interrupted by the opening of the door and the entrance of Miss Meeke, followed by Dr. Ingle.
There was a pretty flush on the usually pale cheeks of the young governess, and some little embarrassment in her manner, which was almost unnoticed, however, in the cordial greeting that was given to the young physician by all the family and guests in the room, and with all of whom he was acquainted, excepting only the lady from the California mines, to whom Mrs. Force duly presented him, and by whom he was received with gushing welcome.
“Sit right down here on the sofa by me, doctor! I dare say you have heard a deal of reports about me, and now I’m gwine to tell you the truth about myself, so that you can get it pure and fresh from first quarters!”
And, having found a new auditor, the lady from Wild Cats’ began the story of her life, and talked on until the dinner was announced. That stopped her.
CHAPTER XXXVI
LE AND HIS “UNCLE”
“Come into the library with me, my dear boy, I want to have a private talk with you,” said Mr. Force, some hours later in the afternoon, as he led the way into his little sanctum in the rear of the hall.
The guests had all left the house. Miss Sibby had ridden off on her mule; the young doctor had ambled away on his cob, and Roland had set out to walk to Forest Rest.