The doctor slapped Henk again with his loose rein. “Why not?” he asked dispassionately. She thought a moment, a gleam of mischief deepening in her glance. “For one thing, his eyes are too near together,” she said at last. “There’s no telling but what you could get them[59] spaced better,” he replied, twinkling; “science is advancing, and so is wireless telegraphy.” [59] Diana laughed. “Some one will like them as they are,” she said, “and Jacob thinks them handsome.” “Sleek young cub!” said the doctor, turning in at the gate that led to the old white house with its two wings and its belvedere. “I’d like you to marry a real man, Di.” Diana leaned her head back in the corner and closed her eyes, as the throbbing pain held her breathless again. Then she smiled. “Dr. Cheyney,” she said, “do you remember the time I cried because you wouldn’t give me the pink capsules?” “You were seven,” replied the doctor placidly. “I remember. They would have killed you, but you screamed for them; you raised Cain about them.” “I wanted my own way,” said Diana, “and I want it still. I think I’d better be an old maid.” Old Henk was jogging up the path, and before the doctor could reply a negro stableman came running breathless, and stopped at the sight of Diana. “Fo’ de Lawd, Miss Di!” he said, “I’se glad ter see you. Jerry done come home drenched, an’ we ’se been out searchin’—scared ter tell de col’nel.” “You old rogue!” said the doctor, “he was the first one to tell. Miss Diana has sprained her ankle.” “He was right,” said Diana promptly; “father would have been out in the storm and never found me. Texas, go on up and tell the colonel that I’ve[60] hurt my ankle; I won’t have him worried, and I can’t walk well enough to deceive him.” [60] The doctor looked at her quizzically. “That’s right, Di,” he said, driving on; “you’ve spoilt him, but I reckon he can stand it if I can.” “He began it,” she laughed softly; “he spoilt me first.” Dr. Cheyney laughed too. “Perhaps he did,” he admitted gently,—“perhaps he did, but I’m not
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