The doctor could not tell at once, but after a little thought made an estimate, and then inquired why Guy had asked the question.
“Because I have a project on foot. Lucy Atherstone is dying with what they call consumption. I don’t believe those old fogies understand her disease, and if you will go over to England and undertake her cure, I’ll give you just double what you’ll get by remaining here. They are going to Naples for the winter, and, undoubtedly, will spend some time in Rome. It will be just the thing for you. Lucy and her mother will be glad of your services when they know I sent you. Lucy likes you now. Will you go? You can trust Maddy to me. I’ll take good care that she is worthy of you when you come back.”
At the mention of Maddy’s name, the doctor’s brow darkened. He was sure that Guy meant kindly, but it grated on his feelings to be thus joked about what he knew was a stern reality. Guy’s project appeared to him at first a most insane one, but as he continued to enlarge upon it, and the advantage it would be to the doctor to travel in the old world, a feeling of enthusiasm was kindled in his own breast; a desire to visit Naples and Rome, and the places he had dreamed of as a boy, but never hoped to see; and Guy’s plan began to look more feasible, and possibly he might have yielded but for one thought, and that a thought of Maddy Clyde. He would not leave her alone with Guy, even though Guy was true to Lucy as steel. He would stay; he would watch; and in time he would win the young girl, waiting now for him in the hall below to tell him, amid blushes of shame and tears of regret, how she had intended to pay him with her very first wages, but now that Uncle Joseph was coming home, he must wait a little longer.
“Will you be so good?” and unmindful of Guy’s presence Maddy laid her hand confidingly upon his arm, while her soft eyes looked beseechingly into his as she explained.
Thinking they would rather be alone, Guy left them together in the lighted hall, and then, sitting down on the sofa, and making Maddy sit beside him, the doctor began:
“Maddy, you know I mean what I say, at least to you, and when I tell you that I never think of that bill except when you speak of it, you will believe me. I know your grandfather’s circumstances, and I know, too, that I did much to induce your sickness, consequently if I made one out at all, it would be a very small one.”
He did not get any further, for Maddy hastily interrupted him, and while her eyes flashed with pride, exclaimed:
“I will not be a charity patient! I say I will not! I’d be a hired girl before I’d do it!”
It troubled the doctor to see Maddy so disturbed about dollars and cents—to know that poverty was pressing its iron hand upon her young heart; and only because she was so young did he refrain from offering her then and there a resting-place from the ills of life in his sheltering love. But she was not prepared, and he should only defeat his object by his rashness, so he restrained himself, though he did pass his arm partly around her waist as he said to her:
“I tell you, Maddy, honestly, that when I want that bill liquidated I’ll ask you. I certainly will, and will let you pay it, too. Does that satisfy you?”