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The cloth and the fine bearing of the young clergyman deceived her; and she forgot that he was said to be "advanced" and was new to the place. "Will you come to the platform, Dr. Eltwood?" Dr. Eltwood came to the platform with the easy air of one to whom platforms belonged by right.
Never got 'em from those women folks of his, either. He has a row to hoe!" And he departed as he had come. Mr. Eltwood turned out an unexpectedly useful friend to Diantha. He steered club meetings and "sociables" into her large rooms, and as people found how cheap and easy it was to give parties that way, they continued the habit.
Eltwood slowly, "if you were offered heartiest appreciation, profound respect, as well as love, of course; would you object to marrying, Miss Bell?" asked in an even voice, as if it were a matter of metaphysical inquiry. Mrs. Porne had told him of her theory as to a lover in the home town, wishing to save him a long heart ache, but he was not sure of it, and he wanted to be.
Diantha glanced quickly at him, and felt the emotion under his quiet words. She withdrew her eyes, looking quite the other way. "You are enough of a friend to know, Mr. Eltwood," she said, "I rather thought you did know. I am engaged."
"Thank you for telling me; some one is greatly to be congratulated," he spoke sincerely, and talked quietly on about less personal matters, holding his tea untasted till it was cold. "Do let me give you some that is hot," she said at last, "and let me thank you from my heart for the help and strength and comfort you have been to me, Mr. Eltwood."
From down the street and up the street at this moment, two men were coming; both young, both tall, both good looking, both apparently approaching Union House. One of them was the nearer, and his foot soon sounded on the wooden step. The other stopped and looked in a shop window. Diantha started up, came forward, it was Mr. Eltwood.
All the machinery of living, and no living no good of it all! Yet there didn't seem to be anything else to do. Now you have waked me all up your paper this afternoon what Mr. Eltwood said the way those poor, dull, blind women took it. And yet I was just as dull and blind myself! Well, I begin to see things now.
"Madam President!" broke forth Miss Eagerson. "I was up first and have been standing ever since " "One moment, Miss Eagerson," said Mrs. Dankshire superbly, "The Rev. Dr. Eltwood." If Mrs. Dankshire supposed she was still further supporting the cause of condemnation she made a painful mistake.
Eltwood had been a warm friend and cordial supporter from the epoch of the Club-splitting speech. He had helped materially in the slow, up-hill days of the girl's effort, with faith and kind words. He had met the mother's coming with most friendly advances, and Mrs. Bell found herself much at home in his liberal little church. Diantha had grown to like and trust him much.
This club is deserving of all thanks from the community for extending to so many the privilege of listening to our valued fellow-citizen Miss Bell." He bowed again to Miss Bell and to Mrs. Dankshire, and resumed his seat, Miss Eagerson taking advantage of the dazed pause to occupy the platform herself. "Mr. Eltwood is right!" she said. "Miss Bell is right!
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