“I mean,” said Philip firmly, “that you must tell him you will marry him when he gets well.”
CHAPTER XLIV
HOW AN EDITION OF “WINGS AND WINDS” WAS SOLD
Philip returned to Hawk’s Nest by runs and leaps, a thing so unusual with him—for Philip was naturally indolent—that when his uncle, who was instructing the gardener about some planting-out, saw his nephew exhibiting such energy, he thought for a moment that the boy had taken leave of his senses.
“Ah, Philip!” he exclaimed, “what says our friend Cicero: ‘Potest exercitatio et temperantia etiam in senectute conservare aliquid pristini roboris’—exercise and temperance can preserve something of our early youth even in old age. You are starting exercise at last! But what news are you bringing that you run?”
Philip was panting and struggling for breath.
At last he said: “You were quite right, uncle. I said my say and I went, and I had not reached the top of Salters Lane before I heard steps behind me—running. It was my mother. Heavens! but what a girl she looked! She told me that I had performed a miracle, and then fled back to the dear patient. Uncle, I am in for a stepfather! and one who is not always sweet-tempered! There will be great changes for you, too, uncle. I should think you had better take on Mrs. Ransom when mother goes.”
“And what is to prevent Mrs. Henderson from having the post?” inquired Uncle Robert, as he pushed a cake of mud off his boot with a stick. “She is keeping house now, and doing it well, though Lane did think she was not much of a manager. Poor soul! she seems twice as happy being occupied. Between you and me, Philip, Lane never did see further than his nose. Look how little Phyll hoodwinked him! And Mrs. Henderson had never a chance with a sick husband and two healthy, unruly boys—and a house where the very door-knobs were off, and no money to speak of—Philip, don’t step on that bed! There are bulbs in it—Mrs. Henderson is a very intelligent woman. She admires ‘Wings and Winds,’ and can quote my verses. Speaking of those same verses, I heard from the publisher to-day that the whole edition was sold out. Think of that, my boy! The verses can’t be so bad as you thought them!”
“I am tremendously pleased, uncle,” said Philip, backing on to the bulbs again.
He was extremely puzzled all the same.
“Look here, Philip!” cried Uncle Robert, “you had better come in. You do nothing but trample down my beds, and the path is wide enough, I should think! Luncheon must be ready. Just notice how much brighter Mrs. Henderson is looking despite her dismal garb. She is not bad-looking either. Her grey hair becomes her.”