He took a great
interest in him." A self-conscious, apologetic smile succeeded the
proud one. "I suppose you would call Alix and David boy and girl
sweethearts. As you say, boys and girls just simply can't help having
such ailments. It's like an epidemic. Even the strongest catch it
and,--get over it without calling in the doctor."
He grinned. "It is a most amiable disease. The only medicine
necessary is soda water and ice cream, with a few pills in the shape
of chocolate caramels or marshmallows, taken at all hours and in
large doses."
Mrs. Strong's eyes softened as she looked out of the window. A
faraway, wistful expression lurked in them.
"Those were wonderful days, Mr. Thane,--when those two children
were growing up." She sighed. "David is four years older than Alix,
but ever since she was a tiny child she seemed older than he was.
I guess it was because he was so big and strong that he just couldn't
bear to lord it over her like most boys do with girls. He was kind
of like a big shepherd dog. Always watching over her and--dear
me, I'll never forget the time they got lost in the woods up above
here. That was when she was about seven. They were not found till
next morning. We had everybody for miles around beating the woods
for them all night long. Well, sir, that boy had taken off his coat
and put it on her, and his stockings too, and he had even removed
his shirt to make a sort of muffler to wrap around her throat,
because she always had sore throats and croup when she was a child.
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