But one night she found Leicester with his head down on his books and -- no , it could n't be tears in his eyes , because Leicester laughed scornfully at the insinuation . `` I would n't cry over it , Dorinda ; I hope I 'm more of a man than that . But I do really feel rather cut up because I 've no chance of getting to college . And I hate the thought of going into a store . But I know I must for Mother 's sake , and I mean to pitch in and like it in spite of myself when the time comes . Only -- only -- '' And then Leicester got up and whistled and went to the window and stood with his back to Dorinda . `` That settles it , '' said Dorinda out loud , as she brushed her hair before the glass that night . `` I 'll do it . '' `` Do what ? '' asked Jean from the bed . `` A desperate deed , '' said Dorinda solemnly , and that was all she would say . Next day Mrs. Page and Leicester went to town on business . In the afternoon Dorinda put on her best dress and hat and started out . Admiral Page 's fighting blood was glowing in her cheeks as she walked briskly up the hill road , but her heart beat in an odd fashion . `` I wonder if I am a little scared , ` way down deep , '' said Dorinda . `` I believe I am . But I 'm going to do it for all that , and the scareder I get the more I 'll do it . '' Oaklawn , where Uncle Eugene lived , was two miles away . It was a fine old place in beautiful grounds . But Dorinda did not quail before its splendours ; nor did her heart fail her , even after she had rung the bell and had been shown by a maid into a very handsome parlour , but it still continued to beat in that queer fashion halfway up her throat .
Presently Uncle Eugene came in , a tall , black-eyed old man , with a fine head XXXXX silver hair that should have framed a ruddy , benevolent face , instead of Uncle Eugene 's hard-lipped , bushy-browed countenance .
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