“That is because you talk to her about saving her soul—a subject about which she knows just as much as you do. Of course, it must bore her. Talk to her of herself; get her to read, and to take interest in some subject.”
“She’s not very intellectual,” replied Mrs. Forest, laconically.
“What!” said the doctor. “Why, she’s as bright as a dollar. See what a fine head she has!”
“Very likely. I don’t believe in heads, as you do. Some of the most stupid people I know are all head.”
“Ah! quality as well as quantity must be considered. In this case the quality is good.”
“I have not much hope for her. To be sure she goes to church, but I think it may be from the fear of displeasing me if she stays at home.”
“I am sorry she goes at all from that motive,” said the doctor.
“When Dan is here, she stays at home evenings, and I notice how she looks at him. When he is not here she often goes out in the evening. I’m sure I don’t know where she goes nor what she does.”
“Well, don’t be meanly suspicious. I know the girl’s heart is right. What can you expect? You treat her like a menial, and she feels it. She does your bidding because it means her daily bread, and because she has lost her heart to Dan. Poor little thing! That’s the saddest of all. She’s happy if she can only look at him; but otherwise finding no companions, no sympathy here, of course she seeks the few acquaintances she has outside, in the hope of answering this need—a need as imperative as that for food or air. You will some time find that it is a misfortune that you cannot take her into your heart and help her more. Let her think that Dan is the only creature that cares for her, and she will come to depend too much upon his regard, which I doubt not is already on the wane.”
“Yes; I think he would like to erase that abominable tattooing. Silly boy!”