"Why didn't he come himself?"

"Because he thought it would be unpleasant for him to meet Mrs.
Crawford. They would be sure to quarrel."

"Well, perhaps he is right," said Dr. Crawford, with an air of relief.
"About the allowance, I shall have to consult my wife. Will you come
with me to the house?"

"Yes, sir; I should like to have the matter settled to-day, so that Carl
will know what to depend upon."

Gilbert rather dreaded the interview he was likely to have with Mrs.
Crawford; but he was acting for Carl, and his feelings of friendship
were strong.

So he walked beside Dr. Crawford till they reached the tasteful dwelling
occupied as a residence by Carl and his father.

"How happy Carl could be here, if he had a stepmother like mine,"
Gilbert thought.

They went up to the front door, which was opened for them by a servant.

"Jane, is Mrs. Crawford in?" asked the doctor.

"No, sir; not just now. She went to the village to do some shopping."

"Is Peter in?"