Part 28 (2/2)
And still, there came no word from Mr. Endicott.
Michael was holding well with his employers, and they were beginning to talk to him of a partners.h.i.+p with them when he was done, for he had far outstripped French in his studies, and seemed to master everything he touched with an eagerness that showed great intellectual appet.i.te.
He still kept up his work in the little white room in the alley, evenings, though he divided his labors somewhat with Will French, Miss Semple and others who had heard of the work and had gradually offered their services.
It had almost become a little settlement or mission in itself. The one room had become two and a bath; then the whole first floor with a small gymnasium. French was the enthusiastic leader in this, and Hester Semple had done many things for the little children and women. The next set of colonists for Michael's farm were always being got ready and were spoken of as ”eligibles” by the workers.
Hester Semple had proved to be a most valuable a.s.sistant, ever ready with suggestions, tireless and as enthusiastic as Michael himself. Night after night the three toiled, and came home happily together. The a.s.sociation with the two was very sweet to Michael, whose heart was famished for friends and relations who ”belonged,” But it never occurred to Michael to look on Miss Semple in any other light than friend and fellow worker.
Will French and Michael were coming home from the office one afternoon together, and talking eagerly of the progress at the farm.
”When you get married, Endicott,” said Will, ”you must build a handsome bungalow or something for your summer home, down there on that knoll just overlooking the river where you can see the sea in the distance.”
Michael grew sober at once.
”I don't expect ever to be married, Will,” he said after a pause, with one of his far-away looks, and his chin up, showing that what he had said was an indisputable fact.
”The d.i.c.kens!” said Will stopping in his walk and holding up Michael. ”She hasn't refused you, has she?”
”Refused me? Who? What do you mean?” asked Michael looking puzzled.
”Why, Hester--Miss Semple. She hasn't turned you down, old chap?”
”Miss Semple! Why, Will, you never thought--you don't think she ever thought--?”
”Well, I didn't know,” said Will embarra.s.sedly, ”it looked pretty much like it sometimes. There didn't seem much show for me. I've thought lately you had it all settled and were engaged sure.”
”Oh, Will,” said Michael in that tone that showed his soul was moved to its depth.
”I say, old chap!” said Will, ”I'm fiercely sorry I've b.u.t.ted in to your affairs. I never dreamed you'd feel like this. But seeing I have, would you mind telling me if you'll give me a good send off with Hester? Sort of 'bless-you-my-son,' you know; and tell me you don't mind if I go ahead and try my luck.”
”With all my heart, Will. I never thought of it, but I believe it would be great for you both. You seem sort of made for each other.”
”It's awfully good of you to say so,” said Will, ”but I'm afraid Hester doesn't think so. She's all taken up with you.”
”Not at all!” said Michael eagerly. ”Not in the least. I've never noticed it. I'm sure she likes you best.”
And it was so from that night that Michael almost always had some excuse for staying later at the room, or for going somewhere else for a little while so that he would have to leave them half way home; and Hester and Will from that time forth walked together more and more. Thus Michael took his lonely way, cut off from even this friendly group.
And the summer and the winter made the second year of the colony at Old Orchard.
Then, the following spring Starr Endicott and her mother came home and things began to happen.
CHAPTER XIX
Starr was eighteen when she returned, and very beautiful. Society was made at once aware of her presence.
Michael, whose heart was ever on the alert to know of her, and to find out where Mr. Endicott was, saw the first notice in the paper.
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