Come now , tell me what it is . '' `` It is really nothing . I have just been foolish , that is all . I wanted a hat with forget-me-nots and a grey silk , and Louisa says I must have black and a bonnet . '' The doctor looked indignant but held his peace . He and Mary Isabel had tacitly agreed never to discuss Louisa , because such discussion would not make for harmony . Mary Isabel 's conscience would not let the doctor say anything uncomplimentary of Louisa , and the doctor 's conscience would not let him say anything complimentary . So they left her out of the question and talked about the sea and the boats and poetry and flowers and similar non-combustible subjects . * * * * * These clandestine meetings had been going on for two months , ever since the day they had just happened to meet below the firs . It never occurred to Mary Isabel that the doctor meant anything but friendship ; and if it had occurred to the doctor , he did not think there would be much use in saying so . Mary Isabel was too hopelessly under Louisa 's thumb . She might keep tryst below the firs occasionally -- so long as Louisa did n't know -- but to no farther lengths would she dare go . Besides , the doctor was n't quite sure that he really wanted anything more . Mary Isabel was a sweet little woman , but Dr. Hamilton had been a bachelor so long that it would be very difficult for him to get out of the habit ; so difficult that it was hardly worth while trying when such an obstacle as Louisa Irving 's tyranny loomed in the way . So he never tried to make love to Mary Isabel , though he probably would have if he had thought it of any use . This does not sound very romantic , of course , but when a man is fifty , romance , while it may be present in the fruit , is assuredly absent in blossom . `` I suppose you wo n't be going to the induction of my nephew Thursday week ? '' said the doctor in the course of the conversation . `` No . Louisa will not permit it .
I had hoped , '' said Mary Isabel with a sigh , XXXXX she braided some silvery shore-grasses nervously together , `` that when old Mr. Moody went away she would go back to the church here .
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