Maurice frowned: "I don't think her temperament makes any difference. It
would have been wonderful for anybody."

"Well, suit yourself," Doctor Bennett said again; "only, if Edith had
done it, say, for Johnny, who weighs nearly as much as you, I wouldn't
have called it particularly wonderful."

"Oh, Edith," Maurice said, grinning; "no; I suppose not. I see what you
mean." And to himself he added: "Edith is like an ox, compared to Star.
Just flesh and blood. No nerves. No soul. Doctor Bennett was right.
Eleanor's temperament does make it more wonderful."




CHAPTER VII


It was after this act of revealing and unnecessary courage, that the
Houghton family entirely accepted Eleanor. There were a few days of
anxiety about her, and about Maurice, too; for, though his slight
concussion was not exactly alarming--yet, "Keep your shirt on," Doctor
Bennett cautioned him; "don't get gay. And don't talk to Mrs. Curtis."
So Maurice lay in his bed in another room, and entered, silently, into a
new understanding of love, which, as soon as he was permitted to see
Eleanor, he tried stumblingly to share with her.

Physically, she was terribly prostrated; but spiritually, feeding on
those stumbling words, she rejoiced like a strong man to run a race! She