Why doesn't she pay
you a visit?"
"Because--oh, for a good many reasons. I'm afraid must go home now."
The child slipped from her knee with unflattering haste. "You've got
to eat your apple first," he said, and ran to get a saucer and spoon.
With great care the thread was broken and the apple secured. Then
David sat calmly down in front of her to watch her eat it; but after
the first two or three mouthfuls, Dr. Lavendar had pity on her, and
the smoky skin and the hard core were banished to the dining-room.
While the little boy was carrying them off, she said eagerly, that she
wanted him.
"You'll let me have him?"
"I'm going to keep him for a while."
"Oh, do give him to me!" she urged.
"Not yet. You come here and see him. I won't make ye eat a roast apple
every time." He smiled at her as he spoke, for she was clasping her
hands, and her eyes were eager and shining.
"I must have him! I _must_!"
"No use teasing--here comes Dr. King. He'll tell you I'm an obstinate
old man. Hey, Willy, my boy! Ain't I an obstinate old man?"
"You are," said William. He had walked in unannounced, in good Old
Chester fashion, and stood smiling in the doorway.
"Oh, plead my cause!" she said, turning to him.
"Of course I will. But it isn't much use; we are all under his heel."
They were standing, for Mrs. Richie had said she must go, when Dr.
Lavendar had an idea: "Would you mind seeing her home, Willy?" he
said, in an aside.
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