The old minister sighed. "I'm afraid I don't, my boy; but I thought
maybe you might."

"No, sir! There's something wrong with that fellow. I don't mean to
judge, but somehow, instinctively, I don't trust him."

"Well," said Dr. Lavendar; "I wouldn't judge; but--I'd trust my
instincts."

William grinned; then he sighed. "I won't tell Mrs. Richie about
seeing him. She'd be mortified at his behavior. If she knew as much of
the wickedness of the world as we do, she might even be suspicious!
But, thank God, she's not that kind of a woman. I don't like worldly-
wise ladies."

Dr. Lavendar nodded. "Black sheep can pull the wool over people's eyes
better than white ones can. Do you know, one reason why I hesitated
about letting her have David, was just because I didn't take to her
brother? For that matter, David doesn't take to him either;--and Danny
can't abide him. And William, I have a great respect for the judgment
of my betters in such matters! Yes; I almost kept the little monkey
myself; but I suppose it's better for him to be with a woman?"

"Of course it is," said William King, and Dr. Lavendar's face fell. "I
think she wants to adopt him," William added.

Dr. Lavendar shook his head. "I haven't made up my mind about that
yet. Not only because of the brother;--he comes so rarely he doesn't
count. But I want to make sure she can be trusted to bring a child
up."