“Yes, the tenth day,” resumed the doctor. “There are many years’ difference between us, but if she feels at all as I do she will not care, Guy;” and the doctor began to talk earnestly: “I’ll be candid with you, and say that you have sometimes made my heart ache a little.”
“I!” and Guy’s face was crimson, while the doctor continued:
“Yes, and I beg your pardon for it; but let me ask you one question, and upon its answer will depend my future course with regard to Maddy: You are true to Lucy?”
Guy felt the blood prickling at the roots of his hair, but he answered truthfully, as he believed:
“Yes, true as steel;” while the generous thought came over him that he would further the doctor’s plans all he possibly could.
“Then I am satisfied,” the doctor rejoined; “and as you have rather assumed the position of Maddy’s guardian or brother, I ask your permission to offer her the love which, whether she accepts it or not, is hers.”
Guy had never fell a sharper pang than that which now thrilled through every nerve, but he would not prove false to the friend confiding in him, and he answered calmly.
“You have my consent; but, Doc, better put it off till you see her at Aikenside. There’s no chance at the cottage, with those three old people. I wonder she don’t go wild. I’m sure I should.”
Guy was growing rather savage about something but the doctor did not mind; and grasping his arm as he arose, he said:
“And you’ll manage it for me, Guy? You know how. I don’t. You’ll contrive for me to see her alone, and maybe say a word beforehand in my favor.”