“Because,” the doctor answered honestly, “I am much interested in the child myself. I would like to know that she has friends. The grandmother, stupid and ignorant though she is, seems devoted to the child. As for Eunice herself, she is an enigma. She is not in the least like the grandmother. The old Indian woman is probably of mixed white and Indian blood, but the child has less Indian blood. Eunice must have had a white mother or father. I have asked the child about her parents, but she knows absolutely nothing about them, and the Indian woman will not tell. She told me, very decidedly, that it was not my business to inquire; that I was to make Eunice well after which she and her grandchild would go back to their wigwam and live in peace. But that beautiful little girl ought not to grow up in entire ignorance. She should be educated, and given an opportunity to develop.”
“I agree with you, doctor,” Miss Sallie rejoined, “but the case will present difficulties. The old grandmother is the child’s natural guardian. She will never be persuaded to give her up.”
“Doctor,” declared Ruth shyly, “if it were possible I should love to educate little Eunice. I could send her to school and do whatever is best for her. But I am afraid we have no right to do it for her.”
“Well, I cannot recommend kidnapping the child, Miss Ruth,” the doctor replied, “but, perhaps, you girls can persuade the old Indian to be less obstinate. Come and see my little charge when you can. She is quite well enough to see you. I shall not have to keep her at the hospital a great while longer. Her arm is still bandaged. She will soon be able to walk about.”
“Aunt Sallie,” Ruth asked, as soon as the doctor left, “may I have Eunice up at the hotel with us, as soon as she is well enough to leave the hospital?”
Miss Sallie demurred. “I must see the child again first, Ruth, dear. She can come here for the day, but not longer. She will be best with Naki and Ceally for a time. Now, Ruth, don’t be so impetuous. You must not plan impossible schemes. Remember, this Indian child is entirely uneducated. She does not know the first principles of good manners. But I am perfectly willing that you should do what seems best for her.”
“When shall we go to see Eunice?” Ruth asked, turning to the other three girls.
“Oh, let us go this afternoon, please, Ruth,” pleaded Mollie.
“But Mr. Latham has asked us to go driving with him,” Barbara objected.
“Mr. Latham has only asked Aunt Sallie and one of us, Bab,” Ruth rejoined. “Suppose you go with Aunt Sallie. Reginald Latham would rather have you along. And, to tell you the truth, Grace and Mollie and I would much rather go to see Eunice.”