Norman a thin little hand.
As the door closed upon her Waldron remarked rather bitterly, "You see I
told the truth."
"My dear fellow," cried the doctor, "I did not doubt you for a moment! I
came this afternoon to tell you I have seen your father--he sent for me.
He is not well. He seems troubled more than his illness warrants. Can it
be that under that callous manner he hides regret for the past?"
Philip sighed.
"You must be ever present to his memory," went on the doctor. "It might
be possible to touch his feelings."
"How?"
"Through your child--nay, hear me out. No harm shall come to her; I
would not propose it did I believe such a thing possible."
"But it might mean separation. No, doctor, let us struggle along--she at
least is happy."
"For the present, yes, but for how long? She will not always remain a
child. Have you had a good medical opinion in regard to her lameness?"
"The best I could afford at the time."
"And----?"
"It was unfavourable to trying any remedy; but that was not long after
her mother's death."
"May I examine her?"
Waldron's glad eagerness was eloquent of thanks.
When Dr. Norman left those upper rooms there was a light long absent on
Philip's face as he drew his lame child within his arms.
[Sidenote: Sophy takes a Drive]
In a few days the doctor called again at Dalmatian Buildings, and
carried Sophy off in his carriage, the child all excitement at the
change and novelty.
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