Part 3 (1/2)

”Enjoyed your evening, my dear?” said the doctor.

”Ye-es, papa,” said his daughter; ”I--”

”Might have enjoyed it more. Really, Helen, it is absurd. That man opposed my theory tooth and nail, and all the time he kept on proving it by indulging that boy. I say you can make what you like of a boy. Now what's he making of that boy?”

”Sir James said he should make him a statesman,” said Helen, smiling.

”But he is making him a nuisance instead. Good-night.”

”Good-night, papa.”

”Oh, by the way, my dear, I shall have to prove my theory.”

”Indeed, papa!”

”Yes. Good-night.”

CHAPTER FOUR.

THE CHOICE OF A BOY.

Next morning Dr Grayson took his gold-headed cane, and walked down to the workhouse.

Upon dragging at the bell the porter opened the gate obsequiously, and sent a messenger to tell the master Dr Grayson had called.

”Good morning, Hippetts,” said the doctor, who being a Poor-Law Guardian, and a wealthy inhabitant of the place, was received with smiles by the important master.

”Good morning, sir. Called to look round.”

”No, Hippetts, no,” said the doctor, in the tone and manner of one making an inquiry about some ordinary article of merchandise; ”got any boys?”

”Boys, sir; the house swarms with them.”

”Ah, well, show me some.”

”Show you some, sir?”

”Yes. I want a boy.”

”Certainly, sir. This way, sir. About what age, sir!”

”Eleven or twelve--not particular,” said the doctor. Then to himself: ”About the age of young Danby.”

”I see, sir,” said the master. ”Stout, strong, useful boy for a b.u.t.tons.”

”Nonsense!” said the doctor testily, ”I want a boy to adopt.”

”Oh!” said the master staring, and wondering whether rich philosophical Dr Grayson was in his right mind.