“No; I think it would be better, Ashcroft, that you should be Carl’s guardian. A man can study his interests and control him better.”
“I will accept the trust,” said Ashcroft, “though I hope it may be many years before the necessity arises.”
Mrs. Crawford bit her lips, and darted an angry glance at the two friends. She foresaw that her plans were threatened with failure.
The two men chatted throughout the evening, and Dr. Crawford had never of late seemed happier. It gave him new life and raised his spirits to chat over old times with his early friend.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
A MAN OF ENERGY.
The next morning Ashcroft said to his host: “Paul, let us take a walk to the village.”
Dr. Crawford put on his hat, and went out with his friend.
“Now, Paul,” said Ashcroft, when they were some rods distant from the house, “is there a lawyer in Edgewood?”