Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/527

Rh Amherst looked at her also, and there was surprise in his glance. “I think I can answer for my father-in-law. He feels as strongly as I do how much we all owe to Dr. Wyant.”

He seldom spoke of Mr. Langhope as his father-in-law, and the chance designation seemed to mark a closer tie between them, to exclude Justine from what was after all a family affair. For a moment she felt tempted to accept the suggestion, and let the responsibility fall where it would. But it would fall on Amherst—and that was intolerable.

“I think you ought to wait,” she insisted.

An embarrassed silence settled on the three.

Wyant broke it by advancing toward Amherst. “I shall never forget your kindness,” he said; “and I hope to prove to Mrs. Amherst that it’s not misplaced.”

The words were well chosen, and well spoken; Justine saw that they produced a good effect. Amherst grasped the physician’s hand with a smile. “My dear fellow, I wish I could do more. Be sure to call on me again if you want help.”

“Oh, you’ve put me on my feet,” said Wyant gratefully.

He bowed slightly to Justine and turned to go; but as he reached the threshold she moved after him.

“Dr. Wyant—you must give back that letter.”

He stopped short with a whitening face. [ 511 ]