Mr. Audley was more than satisfied, he was surprised and comforted.
He had prepared to meet either disappointment or excitement in his
charge; he found neither--only a perfect placid content, as of one
who had found his home and was at rest. The boy was too much tired,
after his many bad nights and the day's exertion, to say or think
much; all he did say was, 'I shall mind nothing now that I know what
it is to be one of you.'
Mr. Audley tried to remember that there must be a reaction, but he
could not bring himself to fear or to warn, or do anything but enjoy
the happiest day of his three years' ministry.
He had to go to the Rectory dinner-party, and leave his neophyte to
the tendance of the Underwoods. Felix sat with his friend in a great
calm silence, while the rest were taken up by the counter-attraction
upstairs, where Alda was unpacking an unrivalled store of presents
from herself and Marilda, useful and ornamental, such as seemed a
perfect embarras de richesses to the homely, scantily-endowed
children. That little gold watch was the prize and wonder of all. It
was the first in the family, except that Felix wore his father's, and
Alda knew how an elder girl was scorned at school if she had none;
but Wilmet, though very happy with hers, smiled, and would not agree
to having met with disrespect for want of it.
Pages:
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297