It took her a long time--especially as Mr.Blyth was breathlessly looking over her shoulder all the while--to get through these words: "Thank you for being so kind to me.

I will go with you anywhere you like." In a few minutes more the two young ladies and little Mary were walking over the bright lawn, with Leo in close attendance, carrying a stick in his mouth.
Valentine started up to follow them; then appeared suddenly to remember something, and sat down again with a very anxious expression on his face.

He and Doctor Joyce looked at one another significantly.

Before breakfast, that morning, they had been closeted at a private interview.
Throughout the conversation which then took place, Mr.Blyth had been unusually quiet, and very much in earnest.

The doctor had begun by being incredulous and sarcastic in a good-humored way; but had ended by speaking seriously, and making a promise under certain conditions.