“No, I thank you, I have my own horse and cart here.”
The doctor extended his hand.
“Good-bye, sir,” he said coldly, and Benson touched the tips of the three nerveless fingers he had given him.
“Good-bye,” said the lawyer.
“You will drive in with us, Andrew?” and the doctor turned to his brother.
“Yes, indeed, my dear John; I must see the last of you and Anna,” and he patted the missionary affectionately on the arm, who now turned from him abruptly and moved toward the door opening into the hall.
On the stairs above, Anna, and Virginia, and Jane appeared. Anna was smiling radiantly, though there were still traces of tears on her cheeks, for she had just parted from little Stephen. Virginia, who was watching her, knew that no deep nor stable emotion could long possess her light nature; and she felt her own heart fill with tenderness for the child.
Benson, roused out of the apathy, in which he had passed the last hour, to something like brightness, said:
“I wonder when we shall see you again, Mrs. Stillman? Those heathen over in India are to be congratulated.”
“Confess you are not sorry to see the last of me!” said Anna, giving him her hand.