He avoided croup, and even whooping-cough paid
him but a flying visit hardly worth mentioning. His first tooth gave
him a little trouble, but that is the sort of thing which may happen to
anyone; and the spirited way in which he protested against the
indignity of cutting it was proof of a high soul.
Such was the remarkableness of this child that it annoyed Kirk more and
more that he should be obliged to give the exhibition of his
extraordinary qualities to so small an audience. Ruth felt the same;
and it was for this reason that the first overtures were made to the
silent camp which contained her father and her brother Bailey.
Since that evening in the library there had come no sign from the house
on Fifth Avenue that its inmates were aware of her existence. Life had
been too full till now to make this a cause of trouble to her; but with
William Bannister becoming every day more amazing the desire came to
her to try and heal the breach. Her father had so ordered his life in
his relation to his children that Ruth's affection was not so deep as
it might have been; but, after all, he was William Bannister's
grandfather, and, as such, entitled to consideration.
It was these reflections that led to Steve's state visit to John
Bannister--probably the greatest fiasco on record.
Steve had been selected for the feat on the strength of his having the
right of entry to the Fifth Avenue house, for John Bannister was still
obeying his doctor's orders and taking his daily spell of exercise with
the pugilist--and Steve bungled it hopelessly.
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