I mean
her married name," he explained, with his whimsical grin.
"I don't believe Alix and David ever were in love with each other,"
said she stiffly. "They were wonderful friends,--playmates and all
that,--but,"--here she flushed again, "you see, my boy was only
the blacksmith's son. People may have told you that, Mr. Thane."
"What has that to do with it?" he cried instantly. "Wasn't Miss
Crown's father the son of a blacksmith?"
He caught the passing flicker of appreciation in her eyes as she
lifted her head.
"True," she said quietly. "And a fine young man, they tell me,--those
who knew him. His father was not like my David's father, however.
He was a drunkard. He beat his wife, they say."
"Abraham Lincoln was a rail splitter. James A. Garfield drove
a canal boat. Does anybody think the worse of them for that? Your
son, Mrs. Strong,--I am told by all who know him,--will be a great
surgeon, a great man. You must not forget that people will speak
of HIS son as the son of Dr. David Strong, the famous surgeon."
Her face glowed with pleasure. Mother love and mother pride kindled in
her dark eyes. He caught himself wondering if young David Strong
was like this tall, grey-haired woman with the steady gaze and
quiet smile.
"I am sure David will succeed," she said warmly. "He always was a
determined boy. Mr. Windom was very fond of him.
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