Story of Chester Lawrence: Being the Completed Account of One who Played an Important Part in "Piney Ridge Cottage"Anderson, Nephi
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Story of Chester Lawrence: Being the Completed Account of One who Played an Important Part in "Piney Ridge Cottage"
Anderson, Nephi
Christian fiction; Latter Day Saints -- Fiction
"Lucy," said her father, placing his hand on her shoulder, "you need not
tell Captain Brown the little secrets you have learned; and I think your
Uncle Gilbert need not know any more than he does. It is just as well
for all concerned that these things remain to outward appearances just
as they have in the past."
"All right, papa."
"We--Chester and you and I will know and understand and be happy. What
else matters?"
"What, indeed."
"Now, there's the captain already. He's early; but perhaps he intends
driving you about a bit first."
That was just it. The morning air was so invigorating, Captain Brown
explained, that it was a pity not to feel it against one's face. He knew
of a number of very pretty drives, round-about ways, to the station, and
the fields were delightfully green just then.
In a short time away they rattled down the graveled road, the father
waving after them. It was a good thing, said Lucy, that strong hands had
the reins, for the horse was full of life. They sped over the smooth,
hedge-bordered roads, winding about fields and gardens until they
arrived at Calderstone Park. Here the captain pointed out the Calder
Stones, ruins of an ancient Druid place of worship or sacrifice. Then
they drove leisurely through Sefton Park, thence townward to the
station.
They had a few moments to wait, during which the driver stroked the
horse's nose, talking to him all the while not to be afraid of the noisy
cars. The whistle's shrill pipe sounded and the train rolled in. The
captain stood by his horse, while Lucy went to the platform, and met
Chester as he leaped from the car.
"Oh, ho," said the captain to his horse, when he saw the meeting. A
partial explanation was given him of the "certain young man" whom they
were to meet.
The captain held the carriage door open to them like a true coachman.
"Take the back seat, please," he commanded, after the introduction; "in
these vehicles, the driver sits in front."
The captain drove straight home, so in a very-short time they were set
down at the steps.
"Go right in," he said. "I'll take the horse back, and be with you
shortly."
The housekeeper met them in the hall, took wraps and hats, and directed
them upstairs where the "gentleman" was waiting. Lucy had had no
opportunity to tell Chester the secret about herself, so she would have
to let his father do so. They walked quietly to the father's room and
opened the door softly. He appeared to be sleeping in his chair, so they
tip-toed into another room.
"Is he better?" asked Chester.
"Nearly well again." They did not seat themselves, but stood by the
table. She came close to him, smiling up into his face and said,
"_Everything's_ all right, Chester."
"Yes, of course," he replied. "You are looking so rosy and well, I
forget you are an invalid."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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