"
There was silence for a few minutes. The crimson light from the shaded
candles fell softly on Mary's face, beautiful in its sincerity and sweet
wistfulness.
The doctor shook his head. "I should never have got on in life if I had
acted in that way," he said.
"You are quite too sentimental, Mary," remarked her sister harshly.
"Why, the world would not go on if we all did as you do. All the same,"
she added, almost grudgingly, "you are welcome to stay here till you get
another appointment."
Mary rose and kissed her. "You shan't regret it, Hetty," she said. "I
will try to help you all I can while I stay, but I may soon get another
appointment."
* * * * *
Fifteen months afterwards there was great rejoicing in Mrs. Forrest's
small and overcrowded house in Croydon, because her youngest brother had
returned from New Zealand with quite a large fortune, which he declared
gallantly that he was going to share with her.
"Half shall be settled on you and your children, Margaret," he said, "as
soon as the lawyers can fix it up. You will be able to send your boys to
Oxford, and give your girls dowries. By the by, how is my old favourite
Ethel? And what is she doing?"
"She teaches physical culture in a large ladies' college in the West
End. It is a good appointment. Her salary has been raised; it is now
L130, with board and lodging."
That did not seem much to the wealthy colonial, but he smiled.
Pages:
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83