"Nor have I. Failing orders from them, you are bound to respect mine; and I order you change of air, and to go wherever Mrs. Sandford proposes to take you."
"Not before school closes, Dr. Sandford?"
"Do you care about that?"
"My dear child," said Mrs. Sandford, "we are going to West Point—and we want to take you with us. I know you will enjoy it, my dear; and I shall be delighted to have you. But we want to go next week."
"Do you care, Daisy?" Dr. Sandford repeated.
I had to consider. One week more, and the examination would be over and the school term ended. I was ready for the examination; I expected to keep my standing, which was very high; by going away now I should lose that, and miss some distinction. So at least I thought. I found that several things were at work in my heart that I had not known were there. After a minute I told Mrs. Sandford I would go with her when she pleased.
"You have made up your mind that you do not care about staying to the end here?" said the doctor.
"Dr. Sandford," I said, "I believe I do care; but not about anything worth while."
He took both my hands, standing before me, and looked at me, I thought, as if I were the old little child again.