‘And you will be a queen, and hold your court at Chickaree?’

She laughed—­her pretty, free laugh of pleasure.

’So Mr. Falkirk says.  Only he does not call me a queen—­he calls me a mouse!’

Dr. Maryland laughed too, at her or with her, a rare thing for him, but returned to his grave tenderness of look and tone.  ‘Ah, little Hazel,’ he said, ’you are in a dangerous place, my child, with your court up there.  Do you know, that when you and the world you want to see, come together,—­either you will change it, or it will change you?—­that is why I asked you what you were going to do with the next twelve years.  That was a great word of Paul, when his years were almost over,—­“I have fought a good fight; I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me at that day!” ’

He was silent, but so grave, so sweet, so rapt, had been the tone of the last words, that they all kept silence likewise.  Dr. Maryland’s head fell, he seemed to be seeing something not before him; presently he went on speaking to himself.

’ “And not to me only,—­but to all them that love his appearing.”—­My dear,’ suddenly to Wych Hazel,—­’will you love his appearing, when it comes?’

She?—­how could she tell? to whom not only the question but almost the very thought were new.  He did not pursue that subject.  Presently he left the table and stood up, or walked up and down behind it; while under the sense of his talk and his thought and his presence, they were all quiet; finishing their supper as docilely as so many children.  And a reflection from him was on all their faces, making each one more pure and bright than its own wont.

He stayed with the young people after tea, instead of going to his study; and the evening was full of grave interest, which also no one wished less grave.  He talked much, sometimes with Wych Hazel, sometimes with Rollo; and Rollo was very amusing and interesting in meeting his inquiries and remarks about German universities and university life.  The talk flowed on to other people and things abroad, where Rollo had for some years lately been.  The doctor grew animated and drew him out, and every now and then drew Wych Hazel in, giving her much of his attention and perhaps scrutiny also, though that was veiled.

The talk kept them up late.  As they were about separating for the night Rollo asked Wych Hazel if she had found any cats at Chickaree?

‘What do you mean?’ she said quickly.  ’O—­I remember’—­and the light danced over her face.  ’I haven’t had much time to find anything.  What did you do with my poor kitten up on the mountain, Mr. Rollo?’

’I was going to ask you whether you would like to see an old friend.’

’Yes, to be sure.  You do not mean that my little pussy is here?’

‘You shall have her to-morrow.’

CHAPTER XIII.