“Suspicious, eh?� said the doctor, displaying the penny at a nearer view.
Sammy fell upon it and ran back to Diana, clasping it close in his fist.
“An embryo financier,� said the colonel, musing, “and the dog isn’t what one would call a prize-winner,� he added.
“Caleb took ’em both in,� said the doctor; “he’s made that way. After a while we’ll understand him.�
“Some people say that he had good reason to take in the boy,� remarked Colonel Royall without malice.
“Father,� said Diana, “I wouldn’t have believed it of you, talking scandal, and he’s our guest!�
“That’s right, keep him down, Diana,� said the doctor; “the fact is there’s nothing so cruel as people’s tongues. Now I know Sammy’s father and sometimes I’m tempted, sore tempted, to go and post it by the wayside.�
“I wish you would!� said Diana with sudden feeling, “it’s only just to—to Mr. Trench.�
“That’s so—she’s right, William,� said her father, half smiling.
Dr. Cheyney reflected; his lined old face lost some of its whimsical humor, but it gained in sympathy and strength. “I’ve held my tongue to shield others,� he said at last, “to spare the feelings of a family I love. What would you do about it, David? Do you think it’s right to plaster a scandal on to folks?�