But, somehow, I don't mind. I think it is far
better as it is. Oh, daddy, dear, it's so nice I can tell you things
like this. I don't believe all girls can talk to their fathers this
way. But I--I always wanted to be loved--and Clarence was different from
other people in Briarsfield, you know, and I suppose I thought we were
meant for each other."
Dr. Woodburn did not answer at once.
"I don't think you would have been happy with him, Beth," he said, after
a little. "All has been for the best. I was afraid you didn't know what
love meant when you became engaged to him. It was only a school-girl's
fancy."
"Beth, I am going to tell you something," he said a moment later, as he
stroked her hair. "People believe that I always took a special interest
in Arthur Grafton because his father saved my life when we were boys,
but that was not the only reason I loved him. Years ago, down along the
Ottawa river, Lawrence Grafton was pastor in the town where I had my
first practice. He was a grand fellow, and we were the greatest friends.
I used to take him to see my patients often. He was just the one to
cheer them up. Poor fellow! Let's see, it's seventeen years this fall
since he died.
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