On one occasion Whately had said a
little irritably, "I say, Dr. Ackley, what's the use of Maynard's
hanging around here? He is almost well enough for duty."
"It is chiefly out of consideration for you that I am keeping him,"
replied the surgeon gravely, in well-concealed mischief. "It is
clear that he has entered the lists with you for your cousin's hand,
and I could not further his suit better than by sending him away,
especially if it were suspected that I did so at your instigation.
He is doing well here, good-naturedly helps me in my writing and can
soon go direct to his regiment. It seems to me that your cousin
holds a pretty even balance between you, and all a man should want
is a fair field."
Whately walked frowningly away, more than ever convinced that the
surgeon was too good a friend of his rival to interfere.
At the close of the fourth day after the battle there was an arrival
at The Oaks that greatly interested Miss Lou--a stately, white-
haired old lady, the mother of Lieutenant Waldo.
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