hem quickly.
Something pleased you, then brought an after-thought that was sad. What
was it?"

"Nothing. I only saw Bea coming with Dr. Barnett."

"Ah!" The same smile, followed by a look of regret and a little sigh
crossed Mrs. Dering's face, and she sewed a little faster than before,
as if her thoughts were suddenly quickened by something. Dr. Walter
Barnett had come to Canfield within the past year, rented a modest
little office, hung out a neat, pretty sign to indicate that all persons
afflicted with any of the ills to which flesh is heir, would always find
him ready and anxious to do his best; and after a patient, hopeful
struggle, he had now settled in a flourishing practise; for he was
courteous and gentle, ready and willing, and always inspired the
children with a liking, which old Dr. Potts, with his blue glasses and
loud voice, could never do. Dr. Walter also taught the bible-class, and
won the flinty hearts of the congregation, and the susceptible ones of
the young ladies. He also frequently walked home with Beatrice Dering,
and had fallen into the way of occasionally stopping in the evenings, if
he happened to be passing and saw them in the yard. The old house, with
its shady porches, clambering vines, and sheltering trees, made him
think of his own home he said, and then Mrs. Dering, with her sweet,
motherly ways, and surrounded by such lovely attractions, seemed to
charm him; and Ralph Tremayne possessed a wonderful influence over him
some way, which served to bring him there more frequently than he could
have found an excuse for coming, if that young gentleman had not formed
a part of the household.

Bea came up stairs in a little while, with a lovely color in her cheeks,
and looking very bewitching indeed, with her soft bright eyes, a posy
in her belt, and a merry smile on her lips.

"I met Dr. Barnett" she said, taking off her hat, and smoothing out the
ribbons with a little thoughtful air; "he was just going to see that
poor widow's little girl, who broke her back last week, and he stopped
while I gathered some flowers for him to take to her. He is going to
cure her if he can, and not charge anything. Isn't it good and kind in
him, mama?"

"Yes, dear, very. He did not tell you so, did he?"

"Oh no; he's too modest. Mrs. Dane told me. She went to see the little
girl, and took some things, for they are very poor, you know; and the
mother told her, and just cried when she told how good and kind he