ph still looked doubtful, but the doctor was Beverly's
guardian, and since her husband's death she had been accustomed to
depend upon his judgment and advice. So instead of arguing the point,
she only said:

"Of course he may go if you think best, George, only it does seem
foolish to take him away so soon again after his holidays."

"I do think it best, Barbara," said the doctor, decidedly. "I want the
boy with me very much. I must start as soon as possible. Do you think
you could persuade Emma Patterson to go home with you and Marjorie
to-morrow, and stay till Beverly and I come back?"

"I can try," said Mrs. Randolph, who was still unconvinced of the wisdom
of this sudden whim of her brother-in-law's, and a little uneasy as
well. "Emma has promised to visit us later; perhaps she would be willing
to come now instead. You know, George dear, I never ask you about your
cases, but this seems so very sudden--are you going to see a patient?"

"Yes," said the doctor, quietly. "I may be able to tell you more about
the case when I come back, but I cannot now."

Mrs. Randolph regarded him anxiously.

"I am afraid you are not well, George," she said, "you are dreadfully
pale. Is that why you don't want to take this long journey alone?"

"Not exactly. I am perfectly well, but--well, the fact is, this may
prove a very trying business, and I want the boy with me."

"Then you shall certainly have him," said Mrs. Randolph, with decision.
"Have you spoken to Beverly on the subject?"

"Yes, and he is most anxious to go. Now I must make arrangements about
accommodations on the train, for I want to be off early in the morning,
if possible. Wouldn't it be a good idea to telephone Emma Patterson at
once, and see if she can be ready to go with you and Marjorie?"

Mrs. Randolph stood for a moment, looking after her brother-in-law as he
left the room.

"There is something wrong," she said: "I never saw George so agitated
before. I wish I knew what it was, but doctors don't like to be
questioned. I hate to have Beverly lose a whole week of college, but if
his uncle needs him, I have nothing more to say." And, with a resigned
sigh, she went away to telephone to her cousin, Mrs. Patterson.

CHAPTER XXI

UNDINE REMEMBERS

"'A Highland laddie lives over the lea;
A laddie both noble and gallant and free,
Who loved a lassie as noble as he--
A bonnie sweet lassie; the maid of Dundee