"Well, we've been a lot
to each other. But she's such a little sport--and patriotic--nobody
more so. She won't feel this way when she's herself again."
Derry stood drearily at the window looking out. "You think then she
won't be able to see me for several days? I had planned such a lot of
things."
The Doctor dropped a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Life has a way of
spoiling our plans, hasn't it? I had hoped for old age with Jean's
mother."
That was something for youth to think of--of life spoiling things--of
lonely old age!
"I wish," Derry said, after a pause, "that you'd let me marry her
before you go."
"No, no," sharply, "she's too young, Drake. And you haven't known each
other long enough."
"Things move rapidly in these days, sir."
The Doctor agreed. "It is one of the significant developments. We had
become material. And now fire and flame. But all the more reason why
I should keep my head. Jean will be safe here with Emily. And you may
go any day."
"I wish I might think so. I'd be there now if I weren't bound."
"It won't hurt either of you to wait until I come back," was the
Doctor's ultimatum, and Derry, longing for sympathy, left him presently
and made his way to the Toy Shop.
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