Drusilla with a Million — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Drusilla with a Million
John Stuart Mill · en
Drusilla turned to say something, to speak a few words of thanks for
their help; but she stopped at the sight of the two people standing on
opposite sides of the little bed. The man with his coat off, his white
waistcoat and shirt gleaming in the light, the woman opposite him
clothed in her decolette' gown, with jewels glistening in her hair and
on her neck. But she did not notice the dress, when she saw the light
in the woman's eyes as they rested on the man. They looked into each
other's faces for a full moment; then the woman reached over her hand,
and in a low, broken voice said, "Robert, is it too late? Shall we try
again?" The man's quivering lips could say nothing, but the hand that
clasped the one that came to him so timidly was answer enough.
The doctor entered at that moment and the baby was turned over to him,
while Drusilla's guests put on their wraps and followed her downstairs.
At the door of her sitting-room Drusilla turned to them.
"Won't you come in? You wished to see me about--"
Mr. Carrington said hastily:
"No; we will let the matter wait. We are on our way to the opera--"
"No, Miss Doane," the wife interrupted; "we _were_ on our way to the
opera, but now--we're going home, Robert." Turning to the man beside
her she repeated: "We're going _home,_ Robert. Do you understand, we're
going _home!"_
Drusilla stood in the hall until the motor started.
"The Bible says a lot of things that's true," she murmured to herself,
"and one of 'em is, 'A little child shall lead 'em.'"
CHAPTER XIV
The next morning Drusilla was at breakfast when she heard the chug-chug
of a motor. Mrs. Carrington's card was brought in; but before she could
say to William that she would see her visitor, the happy laughing face
of Mrs. Carrington looked in at the door.
"May I come in? I am sure you will see me."
Drusilla rose with a smile on her sweet old face, and extended her hand.
"Yes, do. You're just in time to have a cup of good coffee with me."
"Am I so early? I motored down with Robert this morning and felt that I
must stop and see you on the way home."
"No, you're not early at all; but I'm gettin' lazy in my old age. I git
up early in the mornin' and have some coffee and then go and see all my
babies. I like to see 'em git their bath, and then I help dress 'em.
Then I come back and have my real breakfast. Now, you set right there,
so's the sun'll shine on you, and William'll git another cup and plate."
"But I have had my breakfast."
"Pshaw, one can always drink coffee in the mornin'. And you've been
clear down town."
Mrs. Carrington settled herself comfortably in her chair, threw back
her coat, and smiled across at Drusilla.
"Yes, I've taken Robert down town the first time for more than a year.
Oh, it seemed just like old times to take him to his office again."
Drusilla looked at her smilingly.