He puts on a brusque outside, but it is as
much to conceal his liking for you as anything, and then he does more for
you than he would for any one else in the world. Now, if I had tried for
a lifetime, I could not have got him out to Beech Street Church and I
doubt if there is any one besides yourself could have done it. Some men,
unknown to themselves, have strong paternal instincts; and it only
requires the right touch to waken these instincts."
"But he is too young to be my father; and any way he said he was not
anxious for me to regard him in that way," I remonstrated.
"He is old in heart if not in years, my child. His has been an intense
and also bitter life,--the last few years at least."
"Yes, I know," I said unthinkingly; "but a man like Mr. Winthrop is
foolish to let a woman like Mrs. Le Grande embitter his life."
"Medoline, where did you hear of Mrs. Le Grande?" she asked sharply.
My face crimsoned guiltily, but I remained silent.
"Was it Mrs. Blake, or any of the Mill Road people told you?"
"No, indeed. I have told you before they never gossip about him."
"Was it any of our own friends, the Carters, or Flemings? I know they are
vulgarly inclined, for all they are in good society."
"It was none of these, nor any one you have seen for a good many years,
that told me what I know."
"You must tell me, Medoline, who told you. It is the first time I have
tried to force your confidence."
"But I have promised not to tell you."
"Had you met Mrs.
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