LIX.
The news of Maverick's prospective arrival, and the comments of the good Doctor,—as we have said,—shed a new light upon the position of Adèle. Old Squire Elderkin, with a fatherly interest, was not unaffected by it; indeed, the Doctor had been communicative with him to a degree that had enlisted very warmly the old gentleman's sympathies.
"Better late than never, Doctor," had been his comment; and he had thought it worth his while to drop a hint or two in the ear of Phil.
"I say, Phil, my boy, I gave you a word of caution not long ago in regard to—to Miss Maverick. There were some bad stories afloat, my boy; but they are cleared up,—quite cleared up, Phil."
"I'm glad of it, sir," says Phil.
"So am I,—so am I, my boy. She's a fine girl, Phil, eh?"
"I think she is, sir."
"The deuse you do! Well, and what then?"
Phil blushed, but the smile that came on his face was not a hearty one.
"Well, Phil?"