Caroline unreservedly, save for a stipulation that all, on her death,
should be divided among the children, as she should appoint. The
house was not even secured to Allen, so that she could let or sell it
as she thought advisable.

"I could not sell it," said Carey quickly, feeling it her first and
only home. "I hope to see Allen practising there some day."

"It is not in a situation where you could sell it to so much
advantage as you would have by letting it to whoever takes the
practice."

She winced, but it was needful to listen, as he told her of the
offers that had been made for the house and the good-will of the
practice. What he had thought the best offer was, however, rejected
by her with vehemence. She was sure that Joe would never stand that
man coming in upon his patients, and when asked for her reasons,
would only reply, that "None of us could bear him."

"That is no reason why he should not be a good practitioner and
respectable man. He may not be what you like in society, and yet-—"

"Ask Dr. Lucas," hastily interrupted Carey.

"Perhaps that will be the best way," said the Colonel gravely. "Will
you promise to abide by his decision?"

"I don't know! I mean, if everyone decided against me, _nothing_
should induce me to let _that_ Vaughan into Joe's house to meddle
with his patients."