Volume Ii Part 14 (1/2)
”I ? I was going to say, Miss Ringgan!” said the doctor, with a most unaffected obeisance, ”but ? a ? I am afraid, Sir, it is a deceptive influence!”
”I hope not,” said Dr. Gregory, smiling; one corner of his mouth for his guest and the other for his niece. ”Real enough to do real execution, or I am mistaken, Sir.”
”Upon my word, Sir,” said Dr. Quackenboss, bowing again, ”I hope ? a ? Miss Ringgan ? will remember the acts of her executive power at home, and return in time to prevent an unfortunate termination!”
Dr. Gregory laughed heartily now, while Fleda's cheeks relieved her dress to admiration.
”Who will complain of her if she don't?” said the doctor. ”Who will complain of her if she don't?”
But Fleda put in her question.
”How are you all at home, Dr. Quackenboss?”
”All Queechy, Sir,” answered the doctor, politely, on the principle of 'first come, first served' ? ”and individuals ? I shouldn't like to specify” ?
”How are you all in Queechy, Dr. Quackenboss?” said Fleda.
”I ? have the pleasure to say ? we are coming along as usual,”
replied the doctor, who seemed to have lost his power of standing up straight. ”My sister Flora enjoys but poor health lately ? they are all holding their heads up at your house.
Mr. Rossitur has come home.”
”Uncle Rolf! Has he?” exclaimed Fleda, the colour of joy quite supplanting the other. ”Oh, I'm very glad!”
”Yes,” said the doctor ? ”he's been home now ? I guess, going on four days.”
”I am very glad!” repeated Fleda. ”But wont you come and see me another time, Dr. Quackenboss? ? I am obliged to go out.”
The doctor professed his great willingness, adding that he had only come down to the city to do two or three ch.o.r.es, and thought she might perhaps like to take the opportunity ? which would afford him such very great gratification.
”No, indeed, faire Una,” said Dr. Gregory, when they were on their way to Mrs. Thorn's ? ”they've got your uncle at home now, and we've got you; and I mean to keep you till I'm satisfied. So you may bring home that eye that has been squinting at Queechy ever since you have been here, and make up your mind to enjoy yourself; I shan't let you go till you do.”
”I ought to enjoy myself, uncle Orrin,” said Fleda, squeezing his arm gratefully.
”See you do,” said he.
The pleasant news from home had given Fleda's spirits the needed spur, which the quick walk to Mrs. Thorn's did not take off.
”Did you ever see Fleda look so well, Mamma?” said Florence, as the former entered the drawing-room.
”That is the loveliest and best face in the room,” said Mr.
Evelyn; ”and she looks like herself to-night.”
”There is a matchless simplicity about her,” said a gentleman, standing by.
”Her dress is becoming,” said Mrs. Evelyn.
”Why, where did you ever see her, Mr. Stackpole, except at our house?” said Constance.
”At Mrs. Decatur's ? I have had that pleasure ? and once at her uncle's.”