Crawford till they
reached the tasteful dwelling occupied as a
residence by Carl and his father.
"How happy Carl could he 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?"
"No, sir."
"Then you will have to wait till they return."
"Can't I go up to Carl's room and be packing
his things?"
"Yes, I think you may. I don't think Mrs.
Crawford would object."
"Good heavens! Hasn't the man a mind of
his own?" thought Gilbert.
"Jane, you may show this young gentleman
up to Master Carl's room, and give him the
key of his trunk. He is going to pack his
clothes."
"When is Master Carl coming back?" asked Jane.
"I--I don't know. I think he will be away
for a time."
"I wish it was Peter instead of him," said
Jane, in a low voice, only audible to Gilbert.
She showed Gilbert the way upstairs, while
the doctor went to his study.
"Are you a friend of Master Carl's?" asked
Jane, as soon as they were alone.
"Yes, Jane."
"And where is he?"
"At my house."
"Is he goin' to stay there?"
"For a short time. He wants to go out into
the world and make his own living."
"And no wonder--poor boy! It's hard times
he had here."
"Didn't Mrs. Crawford treat him well?"
asked Gilbert, with curiosity
"Is it trate him well? She was a-jawin' an'
a-jawin' him from mornin' till night.
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