In
brief, the Doctor was discharged of his trust and all its
responsibilities; and Alfred, taking it on himself, was fairly
started on the journey of life.
'Britain!' said the Doctor. 'Run to the gate, and watch for the
coach. Time flies, Alfred.'
'Yes, sir, yes,' returned the young man, hurriedly. 'Dear Grace! a
moment! Marion - so young and beautiful, so winning and so much
admired, dear to my heart as nothing else in life is - remember! I
leave Marion to you!'
'She has always been a sacred charge to me, Alfred. She is doubly
so, now. I will be faithful to my trust, believe me.'
'I do believe it, Grace. I know it well. Who could look upon your
face, and hear your voice, and not know it! Ah, Grace! If I had
your well-governed heart, and tranquil mind, how bravely I would
leave this place to-day!'
'Would you?' she answered with a quiet smile.
'And yet, Grace - Sister, seems the natural word.'
'Use it!' she said quickly. 'I am glad to hear it. Call me
nothing else.'
'And yet, sister, then,' said Alfred, 'Marion and I had better have
your true and steadfast qualities serving us here, and making us
both happier and better. I wouldn't carry them away, to sustain
myself, if I could!'
'Coach upon the hill-top!' exclaimed Britain.
'Time flies, Alfred,' said the Doctor.
Pages:
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51