She's old enough. She was sixteen
last October, the--the----"
"Tenth day," Guy responded, thus showing that he, too, was keeping
Maddy's age, even to a day.
"Yes, the tenth day," resumed the doctor. "There's 'most eleven years'
difference between us, but if she feels at all as I do, she will not
care, Guy;" and the doctor began to talk earnestly: "I'll be candid
with you, and say that you have sometimes made my heart ache a
little."
"Me!" and Guy's face was crimson, while the doctor continued:
"Yes, and I beg your pardon for it; but let me ask you one question,
and upon its answer will depend my future course with regard to Maddy:
You are true to Lucy?"
Guy felt the blood trickling at the roots of his hair, but he answered
truthfully as he believed:
"Yes, true as steel;" while the generous thought came over him that he
would further the doctor's plans all he possibly could.
"Then I am satisfied," the doctor rejoined; "and as you have rather
assumed the position of her guardian or brother, I ask your permission
to offer her the love which whether she accepts it or not, is hers."
Guy had never felt a sharper pang than that which now thrilled through
every nerve, but he would not prove false to the friend confiding in
him, and he answered calmly:
"You have my consent; but, Doc, better put it off till you see her at
Aikenside.
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