“I couldn't keep away. But I've no vote, that's the worst. I can only suffer in the cause.” The doctor smiled. “You must go, too,” she added eagerly.
“Oh, I shall go; I couldn't keep away either. Besides, I can vote. How are you getting on with your little protégée?
“Idella? Well, it isn't such a simple matter as I supposed, quite. Did you ever hear anything about her mother?”
“Nothing more than what every one has. Why?” asked the doctor, with scientific curiosity. “Do you find traits that the father doesn't account for?”
“Yes. She is very vain and greedy and quick-tempered.”
“Are those traits uncommon in children?”
“In such a degree I should think they were. But she's very affectionate, too, and you can do anything with her through her love of praise. She puzzles me a good deal. I wish I knew something about her mother. But Mr. Peck himself is a puzzle. With all my respect for him and regard and admiration, I can't help seeing that he's a very imperfect character.”
Doctor Morrell laughed. “There's a great deal of human nature in man.”
“There isn't enough in Mr. Peck,” Annie retorted. “From the very first he has said things that have stirred me up and put me in a fever; but he always seems to be cold and passive himself.”
“Perhaps he is cold,” said the doctor.