There was a dull pause. Then:
"Well, I guess I have all I want for the present. I'm not out of the game, Doris, just count on me being in it at every deal of the cards. Good-bye—for now."
"Good-bye, George. I will not forget."
CHAPTER VI
"There are two elements that go to the composition of friendship. One is Truth; the other is Tenderness."
After Thornton's departure Doris metaphorically, drew a long breath. She felt that he would make no further move at present—how could he? As one faces a possible surgical operation with the hope that Nature may intervene to make it unnecessary, she turned to her blessed duties with renewed vigour.
Of course, there were hours, there always would be hours, when, alone, or when the children played near her, Doris wondered and speculated but always reached the triumphant conclusion that her love, equal and sincere, for both little girls, had been made possible by her unprejudiced relations with them. And that must count for much.
Every time she was diverted from her chosen path she courageously took stock, as it were, of her gains and possible losses.