“Particularly when they are looking in the right direction,” he answered.
“I suppose Caro has told you how we became acquainted,” Walter said; “and I have found it so pleasant to have a friend that I want more—I want my old friends again. I can’t be of any use—” he was silent for a minute, then went on, “I asked you to come because I knew you could help me. My sister has given her consent to anything I wish, but it is hard for her.”
“She will be happier in the end. She is too fine a woman to shut herself in—the world needs her,” answered Dr. Barrows.
“She is good, nobody knows it so well as I,” said Walter.
“And now my boy anything I can do I will do gladly,” the president added.
“It is just to let my friends know that I shall be glad to see them, and that on our side all feeling about the old quarrel is put away. And” he added almost gaily, “I think I shall get Caro to help me with a Christmas party.”
“A Christmas party here? how lovely!” she cried dancing up and down.
“I should like to see the old house look really cheerful again. Do you remember the parties we used to have when we were children, Dr. Barrows?”
“Do you mean a tree, and Santa Claus?” Caro asked coming to Walter’s side after whirling around the room.
“Certainly, and all the other things that belong to Christmas,” was his reply.