"Perhaps the court will not approve of him if you do," added the doctor, with a smile.
"I'm sure André is honest and true, and will be faithful to the end. He knows enough about business to take care of the property."
Maggie argued like a woman, and the doctor promised to do what he could to meet her wishes. Mr. Checkynshaw's executors were opposed to the plan; but, at the earnest solicitation of Maggie and the doctor, they at last consented to recommend it, and André was appointed guardian of the rich man's daughter. If ever a man was amazed and bewildered, André was, when he found himself the keeper of such a vast property.
Maggie had a plan of her own. André was to be a barber no longer. A nice brick house in Harrison Avenue was hired, and furnished in good style, and the strange family were once more united. Leo sold out the mouse business to Tom Casey, and was as happy as a lord in his new home. The executors paid Maggie's share of her father's estate to André, in accordance with the provisions of the will. The ex-barber was not a business man; but this fact rendered him all the more cautious in handling the property intrusted to his care. He had shaved men of dignity and substance for so many years, that he had no lack of friendly advisers. With fear and trembling he discharged his sacred duty.
But André's duties as guardian were abruptly terminated one day, before Maggie was twenty-one. A remarkably good-looking young lawyer, Mr. Charles Harding, the partner of an older legal gentleman who had done André's business, relieved him of his charge by marrying his ward. Everybody said he was a splendid fellow, and Maggie knew he was. No one seemed to be astonished except Leo, who thought the affair had come off rather suddenly. He did not exactly understand how Maggie could have fallen in love with any fellow—he never thought of such things.
"So Maggie is married," said Mr. Fitz Wittleworth one day, when they met in the street.
"Yes; and a capital fellow Harding is, too," replied Leo, warmly.
"It was rather sudden—wasn't it?"
"Well, it was rather sudden; but when I think what a beautiful girl Maggie was, and when I think what a good girl she was, I am not at all surprised—not a bit."
"But, Leo, I always thought you would marry Maggie," added Mr. Wittleworth, stroking his chin.