Part 34 (1/2)
Dr. Norman took up his hat.
”You requested me to see if the father would allow you to adopt the child----”
”Adopt; did I say adopt?”
”No; you used a stronger term--'buy,' I think it was.”
Old Mr. Waldron grunted. ”I said nothing about nurses and carving up legs.”
”No, these are only incidents by the way. Well, good-evening.” Dr.
Norman opened the door.
”Why are you in such haste?” demanded Mr. Waldron.
”I have people waiting for me,” returned the doctor curtly. ”I am only wasting time here. Good-night.”
He went outside, but ere his hand left the door a call from within reached him.
”Come back, you old touch-flint!” cried Mr. Waldron. ”You are trying to force my hand--I know you! Well, I'll yield. Let that uncommonly queer child come here; only remember I am to have no trouble, no annoyance.
Make your own arrangements--but don't bother me!”
So it came to pa.s.s that little Sophy Waldron was received into her grandfather's house all unknowing that it was her grandfather's.
He saw her for a few moments on the day of her arrival.
”I hear you are going to be made strong and well,” was the old man's greeting.
”Yes,” returned Sophy, with a wise look. ”They are going to try and mend me straight. I hope they won't make a mistake this time. Mistakes are so vexatious.”
”When you are well would you like to live with me? I want a little girl about the house.”
”What for? You have lots and lots of people to do things for you.”
Mr. Waldron sighed. ”I would like somebody to do things without being paid for their work.”
”Oh, I understand,” replied Sophy. ”Well, I'll see how my leg turns out, and if father thinks you a nice old man--of course it will all depend on father.”
”Confound it! I forgot the father!”
”You mustn't say naughty words, Mr. Sir,” remonstrated Sophy, shaking a forefinger at him. ”And you mustn't speak horrid of my father; I love him.”
[Sidenote: ”Could you Love me?”]
Old Mr. Waldron regarded her wistfully. ”Do you think you could love me, Sophy?”
The child eyed him critically.
”I like you in bits,” she replied. ”But perhaps the good bits may spread, then I should like you very much.”