"Uncle Rolf! Has he?" exclaimed Fleda, the colour of joy quite supplanting the other. "Oh, I'm very glad!"
"Yes," said the doctor "he's been home now I guess, going on four days."
"I am very glad!" repeated Fleda. "But wont you come and see me another time, Dr. Quackenboss? I am obliged to go out."
The doctor professed his great willingness, adding that he had only come down to the city to do two or three chores, and thought she might perhaps like to take the opportunity which would afford him such very great gratification.
"No, indeed, faire Una," said Dr. Gregory, when they were on their way to Mrs. Thorn's "they've got your uncle at home now, and we've got you; and I mean to keep you till I'm satisfied. So you may bring home that eye that has been squinting at Queechy ever since you have been here, and make up your mind to enjoy yourself; I shan't let you go till you do."
"I ought to enjoy myself, uncle Orrin," said Fleda, squeezing his arm gratefully.
The pleasant news from home had given Fleda's spirits the needed spur, which the quick walk to Mrs. Thorn's did not take off.
"Did you ever see Fleda look so well, Mamma?" said Florence, as the former entered the drawing-room.
"That is the loveliest and best face in the room," said Mr. Evelyn; "and she looks like herself to-night."
"There is a matchless simplicity about her," said a gentleman, standing by.
"Her dress is becoming," said Mrs. Evelyn.
"Why, where did you ever see her, Mr. Stackpole, except at our house?" said Constance.
"At Mrs. Decatur's I have had that pleasure and once at her uncle's."
"I didn't know you ever noticed ladies' faces, Mr. Stackpole," said Florence.
"How Mrs. Thorn does look at her!" said Constance, under her breath. "It is too much."
It was almost too much for Fleda's equanimity, for the colour began to come.
"And there goes Mr. Carleton!" said Constance. "I expect momentarily to hear the company strike up, 'Sparkling and Bright.' "
"They should have done that some time ago, Miss Constance," said the gentleman.
Which compliment, however, Constance received with hardly disguised scorn, and turned her attention again to Mr. Carleton.
"I trust I do not need presentation," said his voice and his smile at once, as he presented himself to Fleda.