Part 7 (1/2)
Reginald's ears had caught the invitation. ”Come, mother dear!” he cried. ”Come wight away.” His glee bubbled. The uncomprehended tears of his nurse were forgotten as he placed his hand in Ned's.
”See the mischief you have wrought,” said Isabel. ”It is too late for Reggie to go from home--almost time for his bath and nap,” she announced decidedly.
”But, mother dear,” the blue eyes flashed mutiny, ”But, mother dear, Reggie _must_ have a good time!” The ruling pa.s.sion of the age possessed the infant's soul; to enjoy life topped every other thought.
The child drew Hartley forward with all his strength. ”Come right away,”
he coaxed. ”I want to get my red coat.”
”But darling,” Isabel protested, ”you cannot go in the machine this morning. Here comes Maggie to give you your bath; go with her at once.”
A struggle was on. ”You must go with nurse. You may not have a good time this morning. Another day you shall ride in the automobile if you are obedient.”
The child surveyed his mother. She showed no sign of weakening. For an instant his lips trembled; a cry half escaped them, then he rushed into Maggie's arms.
”To-morrow Reggie may go, to-morrow!” he repeated with baby confidence.
Two st.u.r.dy, adorable legs went peaceably forward across the lawn. With every step the boy evoked some happy future day--a glad to-morrow.
”You're the slickest mater on record!” exclaimed Hartley. ”How do you do it? I believe you might subdue a labor strike if you tried. No man could resist you long. And any fellow would be bound to do things, make something of himself, if only he might have you to keep him level.” That he had known Mrs. Doan but a short time escaped his mind. Suddenly he was pus.h.i.+ng his cause with youthful ardor. ”If you could only care for me!” he cried. ”Only believe that I really would amount to something if you gave me the chance. Why can't I prove it to you? Indeed, I would do everything that you wished me to--be as good as Reg--upon my word!”
Isabel raised startled eyes in mute entreaty. ”Let me finish,” the boy implored. ”I know just what you think, so please do not tell me. You have heard about the sc.r.a.pe at college, all about my getting fired, my father's anger, everything abominable. And it is true, all true,--I was an a.s.s, a perfect a.s.s. I admit it. But you see I'm different now. I can be a man, even if I didn't get through college by the skin of my teeth.
If you would only marry me father would overlook everything! set me up in any kind of business I liked. And besides, 'the mater' has much more money than dad. She's simply crazy about you--almost as crazy as I am.”
”My dear boy,” cried Isabel, feeling very wise and old, ”you must stop.
If you say another foolish word our pleasant friends.h.i.+p will have to end right here.”
”But it isn't foolish to love you, to be mad with good resolutions for your sake,” he pleaded. ”Of course, if you won't listen to me now I must wait. And I will wait--wait just like Reg--until to-morrow!” His whole being reflected new resolve.
”Then be reasonable. Go back to college; finish the course your position in life demands; please your father; be good.” They moved slowly to the house.
”And I may hope when I get my sheepskin?”
”No! no!” she cried. ”I meant nothing of the kind. I could never, never marry you. Even if----” she hesitated--”it can never be,” she finished.
”Then there is some one else?”
”There is some one else,” she answered in a voice so true that its cadence hurt the more.
Ned looked upon the ground; then he lifted hopeless eyes. ”Of course I am an a.s.s; I always was one. But you will come out in the machine? I haven't the nerve to explain; and I'll help you find the horses--for the other man----” he choked out.
Isabel could not refuse the humble request.
CHAPTER XVI
The luxurious touring car sped away. In the tonneau Mrs. Hartley and madame chatted with no suspicion of Ned's unhappy state. The morning was glorious.
”Please come,” the boy had begged; then added, ”if you don't, 'the mater' will want to know the reason why.”
”We must be the best of friends,” Isabel whispered, as she took her place in front.