CHAPTER XXV
THE FIRST VISITORS
As soon as Mrs. Force opened the door Dr. Ingle stepped rapidly to meet her, with both hands extended.
“Welcome back to us! Dear friend! Only this morning we heard of your arrival through Ned Grandiere, who came to my office early to ask me to call and see one of the colored folks on his farm; but Natalie immediately took a fit, and declared that I must bring her and the babies here before going anywhere else! So here they are, and now I must be off to Oldfields.”
Before the doctor had half finished this speech Natalie herself was in Mrs. Force’s arms, laughing and crying for joy.
“Well, well! I must say good-by, madam!” exclaimed the doctor, rather impatiently, as he held out his hands to the lady of the house.
“I suppose I must not detain you from your patients; but I cannot let you go until you have promised to return to dinner, and to spend the evening with us,” said Mrs. Force.
“I thank you! I promise! Good-morning!” And the doctor bowed himself out of the drawing room.
“Oh, you sweet little thing! You lovely, lovely little thing!” cooed Elva, seated upon a hassock, with the few months old baby across her lap.
“These are your children, Natalie? What fine children they are,” said Mrs. Force, as they all resumed their seats.
“Do you think so? I am glad you think so,” replied the proud young mother. “Come here, Effie, and speak to this lady,” she continued, taking a little, white-robed toddler by the hand and leading her up to Mrs. Force.