Ma is away this afternoon.
She's at the sewing circle, I think."
"Thank you for serving as my guide," said Ashcroft.
"There's a little acknowledgment which I hope will be of service to you."
He offered a half dollar to Peter, who accepted it joyfully
and was profuse in his thanks.
"Now, if you will be kind enough to tell the doctor
that an old friend wishes to see him,
I shall be still further obliged."
"Just follow me, then," said Peter, and he
led the way into the sitting-room.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.
After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft
noticed with pain the fragile look of his friend.
"Are you well?" he asked
"I am not very strong," said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly,
"but Mrs. Crawford takes good care of me."
"And Carl, too--he is no doubt a comfort to you?"
Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.
"Carl has been away from home for a year,
he said, with an effort.
"That is strange your own son, too! Is there
anything unpleasant? You may confide in me,
as I am the cousin of Carl's mother.'
"The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn't
hit it off very well."
"And you took sides against your own son,
said Ashcroft, indignantly.
"I begin to think I was wrong, Reuben.
You don't know how I have missed the boy.
"Yet you sent him out into the world without a penny."
"How do you know that?" asked Dr. Crawford quickly.
"I had a little conversation with your stepson
as I came to the house. He spoke very frankly
and unreservedly about family affairs;
He says you do whatever his mother tells you.
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