Doctor Forester has assured me that the knee might easily have
been a bad case."
"I am very thankful that the results were good, Mrs. Birch," Doctor
Churchill answered.
Nobody interrupted the two for a long half-hour. At the end of it Doctor
Churchill rose, his eyes kindling.
"Thank you!" he said fervently. "Thank you! More than that I won't
ask--yet. But if you will trust me--I promise you may trust me, little
as you know me--you may be sure I shall keep my word, not only to you,
but to my mother I know her ideals, and if I can be fit to be the friend
of one who fills them----"
Mrs. Birch held out her hand.
"I do trust you, Doctor Churchill," she said. "Not only from what Doctor
Forester has told me of your family, but from what I have seen and heard
for myself."
With a light heart the doctor went away over the hill to the path which
descended to the river. Far down the bank, near the pond-lilies, he had
caught a glimpse of a blue linen gown.
Captain Rayburn and Celia came over to establish themselves upon rugs
and cushions by the side of the hammock. Mr. Birch, who had been out
with Just and Norman in a boat, appeared, sunburned and warm, and joined
the party.
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