Part 43 (2/2)
”Where are Jessie and Mrs Wadsworth, and Mrs Basswood?”
”I think Jessie went over to the other bungaloith her mother She was as much upset as I was”
”Does she think the story is true?”
”She hopes it isn't But of course she can't do anything--and I can't do anything either”
”Well, I don't see what I can do” Dave took a turn up and down the room, and then sank on a chair ”This just knocks ht,” he added, helplessly
”You poor boy!” Laura came over and brushed back the hair from his forehead ”You don't kno this hurts, Dave Oh, it can't be true!”
”I wonder how long I've got to wait before I hear froh, we'll get word just as soon as they know anything definite”
At that moment came a timid knock on the door, and Laura opened it to adirl showed that she was much upset Her face was tear-stained and her hair awry
”Oh, Dave!” was all she said And then coht toward him, she threw her head on his shoulder and burst into a fit of weeping
”There, there, Jessie! Don't you cry so,” he said, soothingly ”I aht”
”But Da-Dave, hasn't Laura to-told you?”
”Yes, she has told me”
”And did you read that letter?”
”Yes”
”But it can't be true, Dave! Oh, tell ly
”I can't tell you whether it is true or not, Jessie, for I don't know,”
answered the boy, as bravely as he could ”I suppose they'll investigate the matter at Crumville and at that place in Maine, and let me know” He looked at her curiously ”What if they prove I am not the real Dave Porter, Jessie--will you care very much?”
”Care? Of course I'll care, Dave! But don't misunderstand me,” she added, quickly ”Even if they prove you are not the real Dave Porter, it won't make any difference to me I shall think just as much of you, no matter who you are”
”Do you really htly
”I certainly do! What difference will it really make? You will be yourself, no matter what your name is”
”I know, Jessie, I'll be myself; but ill I be? Perhaps I'll be a 'poorhouse nobody' after all,” and he sirl, emphatically ”You'll never be a nobody, Dave You are too true, both to yourself and to those around you You'll make a name for yourself in this world even if they take your present na with earnestness
A great and peculiar joy seemed to creep over Dave, and despite the blackness of the situation, his heart for the azed with emotion at both Laura and Jessie