I mean--I don't mind it at all
much."
"You do not?" said the doctor. "Have you lost a pet kitten, or a beloved
lap-dog?"
"I haven't any, either a kitten or a dog," said Daisy.
"Has that young cavalier, Preston Gary, neglected you?"
"He would not do that," said Daisy; "but he is very fond of shooting."
"He is!" said Dr. Sandford. "Most boys are. You have not felt lonely,
then, Daisy?"
"O no, sir."
"I believe I should, in your place. What is the matter, then? I ask as
your friend and physician; and you must tell me, Daisy. Who has been to
see you to-day?"
"Papa--he came and read to me. Then a little girl--and mamma."
"Did the little girl trouble you?"
"Not much--" said Daisy hesitatingly.
"In what way?"
"She only would not learn to read as fast as I wanted."
"You were the teacher?"
"Yes sir--I was trying--I wanted to teach her."
"And has her obduracy or stupidity caused all this sorrow and
annoyance?"
"O no, sir--" But Daisy's eyes filled.
"Then has Mrs. Randolph been the trouble-maker?"
Now Daisy flushed, her lip worked tremblingly; she turned her little
head to one side and laid her hand over her brow, to baffle those steady
blue eyes of the doctor's.
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