Mrs. Riddell said that he was a born old bachelor ; I suppose she based her opinion on the fact that Doctor John was always a quiet , bookish fellow , who did n't care a button for society , and had never been guilty of a flirtation in his life . I knew Doctor John 's heart far better than Martha Riddell could know anybody 's ; and I knew there was nothing of the old bachelor in his nature . He just had to wait for the right woman , that was all , not being able to content himself with less as some men can and do . If she never came Doctor John would never marry ; but he would n't be an old bachelor for all that . He was thirty when Marcella came to Bridgeport -- a tall , broad-shouldered man with a mane of thick brown curls and level , dark hazel eyes . He walked with a little stoop , his hands clasped behind him ; and he had the sweetest , deepest voice . Spoken music , if ever a voice was . He was kind and brave and gentle , but a little distant and reserved with most people . Everybody in Bridgeport liked him , but only a very few ever passed the inner gates of his confidence or were admitted to any share in his real life . I am proud to say I was one ; I think it is something for an old woman to boast of . Doctor John was always fond of children , and they of him . It was natural that he and little Marcella should take to each other . He had the most to do with bringing her up , for Miss Sara consulted him in everything . Marcella was not hard to manage for the most part ; but she had a will of her own , and when she did set it up in opposition to the powers that were , nobody but the doctor could influence her at all ; she never resisted him or disobeyed his wishes . Marcella was one of those girls who develop early . I suppose her constant association with us elderly folks had something to do with it , too . But , at fifteen , she was a woman , loving , beautiful , and spirited . And Doctor John loved her -- loved the woman , not the child . I knew it before he did -- but not , as I think , before Marcella did , for those young , straight-gazing eyes of hers were wonderfully quick to read into other people 's hearts . I watched them together and saw the love growing between them , like a strong , fair , perfect flower , whose fragrance was to endure for eternity .
Miss Sara saw it , too , and was half-pleased and half-worried ; even Miss XXXXX thought the Doctor too old for Marcella ; and besides , there were the Barrys to be reckoned with .
Bridgeport John Marcella Riddell Sara child love mane people right