His heart
was just as fragile as theirs when it bared itself to her attack. Her
beauty attracted him, her natural refinement of character appealed to
him; her pureness, her tenderness, her goodness, wrought havoc with his
impressions. Fresh, bright, as clear-headed as the June sunshine, she
was a revelation to him--to Bonner, who had known her sex in all its
environments. His heart was full of her, day and night; for day and
night he was wondering whether she could care for him as he knew he was
coming to care for her.
One day he received a telegram. It was from his mother and his sister,
who had just reached Boston from Bermuda, and it carried the brief
though emphatic information that they were starting to Tinkletown to
nurse and care for him. Bonner was thrown into a panic. He realised in
the instant that it would be impossible for them to come to Mr. Crow's
home, and he knew they could not be deceived as to his real condition.
His mother would naturally insist upon his going at once to Bonner
Place, across the river, and on to Boston as soon as he was able; his
clever sister would see through his motives like a flash of lightning.
Young Mr. Bonner loved them, but he was distinctly bored by the prospect
of their coming. In some haste and confusion, he sent for "Doc" Smith.
"Doctor, how soon will I be able to navigate?" he asked anxiously.
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