He was the best man that ever lived, Maddy thought, and so she told the doctor that afternoon when, as he rode up to Aikenside, she met him on the lawn before he reached the house. It did strike the doctor a little comically that one of Guy’s habits should offer to turn school teacher, but Maddy was so glad that he was glad too, and doubly glad that across the sea there was a Lucy Atherstone. How he wished that she was there now as Mrs. Guy, and he must tell Guy so that very day. Seated in Guy’s library, the opportunity soon occurred, for Guy approached the subject himself by saying: “Guess, Hal, what crazy project I have just embarked in.” “I know without guessing; Maddy told me,” and the doctor’s eyebrows were elevated a little as he crossed his feet upon the window-sill and moved his chair so as to have a better view of Maddy and Jessie romping in the grass. “And so you don’t approve?” was Guy’s next remark, to which the doctor replied: “Why yes; it’s a grand thing for her, providing you know enough to teach her; but, Guy, this is a confounded gossiping neighborhood, and folks will talk, I’m afraid.” “Talk about what?” and Guy bridled up as his independent spirit began to rise. “What harm is there in my doing a generous act to a poor girl like Maddy Clyde? Isn’t she graceful as a kitten, though?” and Guy nodded toward the spot where she was playing. It annoyed the doctor to have Guy praise Maddy, but he would not show it, and answered calmly: “It’s all right in you, but just because the poor girl is Maddy Clyde, folks will talk. She is too handsome for Madam Grundy to let alone. If _Lucy_ were only here, it would be different. Why, in the name of wonder, are you two not married, if you are ever going to be?” “Jealous, as I live!” and Guy’s hand came down playfully on the doctor’s shoulder. “I did not suppose you had got so far as that. You are afraid of the effect it may have on me teaching a sweet-faced little girl how to conjugate _amo_; and to cover up your own interest, you bring Lucy forward as an argument. Eh, Hal, have I not probed your secret?” The doctor was in no mood for joking, and only smiled gloomily, while Guy continued: “Honestly, doctor, I am doing it for you. I imagine you fancy her, as well you may. She’ll make a splendid woman, but she needs education, of course, and I am going to give it to her. You ought to thank me, instead of looking so like a thunder-cloud,” and Guy laughed merrily. The doctor was ashamed of his mood, and could not tell what spirit prompted him to answer: “I am obliged to you, Guy; but as far as I am concerned, you may spare yourself the trouble. If my wife needs educating, I can do it myself.”