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The document is a comprehensive guide for beginners to learn C++ programming in 7 days, covering essential concepts such as variables, functions, arrays, pointers, and classes. It emphasizes the structured nature of C++ and provides programming examples and exercises to reinforce learning. The guide is designed to help readers write their first C++ programs and understand the language's syntax and structure.

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100% found this document useful (2 votes)
10 views

C Programming Complete Guide to Learn the Basics of C Programming in 7 days 2nd Edition Xavier S Martin download

The document is a comprehensive guide for beginners to learn C++ programming in 7 days, covering essential concepts such as variables, functions, arrays, pointers, and classes. It emphasizes the structured nature of C++ and provides programming examples and exercises to reinforce learning. The guide is designed to help readers write their first C++ programs and understand the language's syntax and structure.

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C++ Programming
Complete Guide to Learn the Basics of C++
Programming in 7 Days

By
Xavier S Martin
© Copyright 2020 by Xavier S Martin- All
rights reserved.
The content contained within this book may not be reproduced,
duplicated or transmitted without direct written permission from the
author or the publisher.
Under no circumstances will any blame or legal responsibility be held
against the publisher, or author, for any damages, reparation, or
monetary loss due to the information contained within this book,
either directly or indirectly.
Legal Notice:
This book is copyright protected. It is only for personal use. You
cannot amend, distribute, sell, use, quote or paraphrase any part, or
the content within this book, without the consent of the author or
publisher.
Disclaimer Notice:
Please note the information contained within this document is for
educational and entertainment purposes only. All effort has been
executed to present accurate, up to date, reliable, complete
information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied.
Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaged in the
rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. The
content within this book has been derived from various sources.
Please consult a licensed professional before attempting any
techniques outlined in this book.
By reading this document, the reader agrees that under no
circumstances is the author responsible for any losses, direct or
indirect, that are incurred as a result of the use of the information
contained within this document, including, but not limited to, errors,
omissions, or inaccuracies.
Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO C++


1.1 Background of C++
1.2 C++ Programming
● ​How to write a C++ program
● ​Simple Program
● ​Hello World

1.3 Constants
● ​Integer Constants
● ​Character Constants
● ​Float Constants
● ​Boolean Constants
● ​Programming Constants

1.4 Data Type


● ​void (Void)
● ​int (Integer)
● ​char (Character)
● ​bool (Boolean - logical data in C++)
● ​float (Floating Point)

1.5 Variables
● ​Variable Initialization
● ​Variable Declaration

1.6 Programming Examples


Problem 1
Problem 2
1.7 Exercise Sets

CHAPTER 2: HOW TO WRITE A C++ PROGRAM


2.1 Expressions
● ​Primary Expressions in a C++ Program
● ​ inary Expressions in C++
B
● ​Assignment Expressions
● ​Postfix Expressions

2.2 Statements
● ​Expression Statement
● ​Compound Statement

2.3 Programming Examples


Problem - 1
Problem-2
2.4 Exercise Sets

CHAPTER 3: CONCEPT OF “FUNCTIONS” IN C++


3.1 Structured Programming and Designing
3.2 Functions in C++
● ​User Defined Functions
● ​Function Definition
● ​Prototype Declaration
● ​Function Call
● ​Void Functions with no Parameters
● ​Void Functions with Parameters
● ​Function Example

3.3 Default Parameter Arguments


3.4 Programming Examples
Problem - 1
Problem - 2
3.5 Exercise Sets

CHAPTER 4: SELECTION-MAKING
4.1 Logical Data and Operators
● ​Logical Data in C++
● ​Logical Operators
● ​Evaluating Logical Expressions
● ​Relation Operators

4.2 Two Way Selection


● I​ f, Else
● ​Rules for If Else statements
● ​Null Else Statement
● ​Nested If Statements

4.3 Multiway Selection


● ​The Switch Statement
● ​Else If Statement
● ​Example Program

4.4 Menu Program, C++


Problem
4.5 Programming Examples
Problem
4.6 Exercise Sets

CHAPTER 5: CONCEPT OF “ARRAYS” IN C++


5.1 Using Arrays in C++
● ​Declaration and Definition
● ​Accessing Elements in Arrays
● ​Storing Values in Arrays
● ​Inputting Values
● ​Assigning Values
● ​Exchanging Values
● ​Putting Value

5.2 Arrays and Functions


● ​Passing Individual Element
● ​Passing the Whole Array

5.3 Array Applications


● ​Frequency Distribution Arrays
● ​Histograms

5.4 Sorting
● ​Selection Sort
● ​Insertion Sort
● ​Bubble Sort

5.5 Programming Examples


Problem - 1
Problem - 2
5.6 Exercise Sets

CHAPTER 6: CONCEPT OF “POINTERS” IN C++


6.1 Pointers
● ​Pointer Constants
● ​Pointer Values
● ​Pointer Variables

6.2 Accessing Variables through pointers


6.3 Pointer Declaration
6.4 Initialization of a Pointer Variable
Problem-1
Problem-2
6.5 Pointers and Functions
● ​Pointers as Formal Parameters
● ​Functions Return Pointers

6.6 Arrays and Pointers


6.7 Programming Examples
Problem - 1
Problem - 2
6.8 Exercise Sets

CHAPTER 7: CONCEPT OF “CLASSES” IN C++


7.1 Classes
● ​Access Specifiers
● ​Creating a Class
● ​Declaring a Class
● ​Class Definition

7.2 Defining a Class Object


● ​Instantiation
● ​Accessing Class Members
● ​Using Classes
7.3 Constructors and Destructors
● ​Constructors
● ​Destructors

7.4 Programming Examples


Problem - 1
Problem - 2
7.5 Exercise Sets

CHAPTER 8: CONCEPT OF “STRINGS” IN C++


8.1 Strings
● ​Fixed Length String
● ​Variable Length String

8.2 C++ Strings


● ​Storing Strings
● ​String Literals

8.3 String Input/Output


● ​String Input “>>”
● ​String Output “<<”

8.4 Array and Strings


8.5 Compare Packed Strings
8.6 Morse Code Program Design
8.7 The String Class
8.8 Programming Examples
Problem
8.9 Exercise Sets

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES
Introduction
C++ is a computer programming language widely used for general-
purpose programming. It is an extension of C-language. The basic
understanding of C++ can be acquired from C. That’s why both
computer languages are represented as C/C++. Bjarne Stroustrup
developed this multi-paradigm language in 1979.
In today’s world, many operating systems use C++ as their basic
language. Some system drivers, browsers, and games are based on
C++ programs. It is a free-form, compiled, and statically-typed
programming language. Many professionals believe that C++ is the
most efficient language to achieve the desired results.
In the “Complete guide to learn the basics of C++ programming in 7
days”, I have covered all the essential basic concepts for beginners.
It is a step by step guide, which makes sure the understanding of
C++ programming. First of all, there is a need to know the structure
and syntax of C++, along with the basic expressions. Then, it guides
the major “Functions” such as mathematical manipulation and
Standard Library. Moreover, there are complete guidance about the
selection making of operators and logical data, concepts of Arrays,
Pointers, Classes and Strings in C++.
While there are so many great programming languages, but C++ is
the most favorite owing to have the privilege of the first Object-
Oriented Programming language. Nowadays, there are several high-
level languages with simple syntax and user-friendly options. Still,
programmers can’t deny the importance of C++ because of its huge
number of open-source libraries, wide applications, and highly fast
run-time performance.
This guide is designed for beginners who want to learn C++ in 7
days. You will discover this language by making your programs while
reading this book.
Chapter 1: Introduction to C++
In the following chapter, we will discuss about the evolution of
computer programming languages and their evolution from machine
languages.
As we know C++ is a high-level language. We’ll discuss the concepts
of C++, in this chapter. Moreover, you will be able to write your first
program, after going through this chapter, i.e. “Hello World”.
Furthermore, you’ll understand the concepts of Constants, Variables,
Data types and some of the operators that may help you writing and
understanding a C++ program.

1.1 Background of C++

C++ is considered a properly structured programming language,


that’s why this is so popular. C++, as you know, is a high level
language because it allows a programmer to concentrate on the
problem at his hand, without worrying about the system that the
program may be using. There are many languages who claim to be
system or machine independent but C++ is one of the best among
them.
Like many other languages, C++ is basically derived from ALGOL,
which was the first language to have a structure. ALGOL was
developed in the early 1960s and it made a path for structured
programming and its concepts. Very first work in ALGOL was done
by two scientists name as Guiseppe Jacopini and Corrado Bohm.
Both of them published a research in 1960 which defined a thorough
idea of structured programming.
In 1967, a computer scientist named as Martin Richards designed a
language designed a programming language; he named Basic
Combined Programming Language aka. BCPL. In 1970, Ken
Thompson developed a language, known as “B”. Following him,
Dennis Ritchie, in 1972, developed the concept of language “C”.
Following all the concepts from the languages, ALGOL, BCPL, B and
C, Bjarne Stroustrup, developed C++ in mid 1980s.
1.2 C++ Programming

Now, when you know about the background of C++, i guess, you’ll
be eager to write your first program. This section will let you know
the basic parts of a C++ program, so that you’ll be able to write
your very first program.

● How to write a C++ program

First of all, we need to understand, the “Global Declaration”. Your


program is considered a little world; a world of computer universe.
So, we may start our program with global declaration.
Secondly, only one function, in your program must be named as
“main”. Main is the starting of the basic program, after global
declaration. Main can have two kinds of code;
● Declaration
Declaration is considered the data that you may use to justify or
write your program or function. If you declare something in a
function, it’ll be known as “Local Declaration”. We call them local
declarations because they are read, only be the function itself.
● Statements
Statements are some commands to the machine that is using the
program. Statements cause the machine to perform the actions,
such as adding or subtracting numbers, multiply them, taking their
average etc.

● Simple Program
We know that C++ allow us to make declarations and statements at
the same time, but, every time, we should write a program, which
should be well organized so that any other programmer or even the
machine could understand it fast. This is the reason, we follow the
language C’s concepts of organization. The concept states that one
should perform declaration first and statements second. Moreover,
most of the times, one should use comments for the identification of
the sections; Declarations and Statements.
A C++ program is a mixture of two components main (Main) and
fun (function). In other words, function is called or used by main.
Usually, we write the code for the “main”, first. After that, we’ll code
the function and sub functions, in their order.
Moving forward, there is another concept; concept of preprocessor
directives or precompiler directives. These are some statements
which give instructions to a compiler or processor to execute the
program in a unique pattern.
A statement which is globally used as a preprocessor directive is,
“include”. This statement allows the compiler to extract some data
from global libraries, known as header files. Without these header
files or libraries, you will not be able to write even a single program,
because it’ll be so complex to write the commands even for your
input or output. Even, you will need an “include” command, to write
your very first program. This will be used to instruct C++ that you
will be in need for the input and output libraries, so that you may
print your desired data to the console screen.

● Hello World

Your first C++ program is going to be very straightforward. It will


include just one precompiler directive and no global or local
declaration would be made. It will just display a greeting to the user
on a console screen. Because this program is not so complex, it will
contain only two statements; first, to display a greeting, the second
one would be used to terminate our program.
We will write the precompiler directive in the very beginning of our
program. Precompiler directives must start with a number sign i.e.
“#”, in any C++ program. The syntax for our precompile directive
would be:
#include <iostream.h>
In this precompiler directive, we may write # first and there should
be no space between “#” and “include”. Statement “include” will
include the concerned library in your program, which will be
mentioned in the pointed brackets “<>”.
In the following statement, “iostream” is a short form for “input
output stream” and “.h” is to represent header file.
Moreover, we’ll use another statement in our program which is:
using namespace std;
For understanding this statement, we have to consider a classroom
with a boy and a girl; sharing the same name and class, but having
different functions. So, when you will call their name, both will
respond. The very same confusion can be a part of programming, as
if there is a function named as “poi()” and in some other library
there is another function named as “poi()”, your compiler would not
be able to identify your desired function. To overcome this difficulty
we usually use this statement.
Moving forward, our program’s executable part would be starting
with a function header, such as:
Int main (void)
For this statement, we have to understand that the “int” states that
this specific function will send back an integer value to the machine
or operating system.In the concerned statement, our function’s
name is “main” and it has no specific parameters, as we have voided
the parameter list with “(void)”.
Now, there are two more statements, with first, we will be able to
print our desired data. And with the second, we will be able to
terminate the program.
cout << “Hello world”;
This statement is used to display or print the desired data, in this
case “Hello World”. This statement uses an operator “<<”, this
operator allows us to print or display data in our console. This
statement contains inverted commas “”. Whatever, you will be
writing in these commas, will be displayed in your console.
Finally, the program will be terminated with a statement:
return 0;
This statement will simply end the program and will hand over the
control to operating system again.
Now, if you need to write your program, you’ll need a compiler first.
There are many compilers available, online and offline, to execute
your code in C++. If you need to compile your code offline Turbo
C++ and Dev C++ are highly recommended and if you need to
compile your code online, you may search for any online C++
compiler.
Typically, the first program is known as “Hello World”, but we’ll
change the odds. We will be writing our first program as “Hello to
the world of C++!”
So if you have a compiler now, you are all set to write your very first
program. We’ll start with header files and then the body of program
and we will terminate it with our termination statement.
So, your first program should look something like this:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main()
{
cout << "Hello to the world of C++!";
return 0;
}
When you’ll execute this program, there will be a console screen
popping up with the text:
Hello to the world of C++!

We’ve already written our first program so now, we will be


discussing some more important concepts of programming in C++.
1.3 Constants

The concept of constants in programming is very similar to the


concept of constant in Mathematics. Constants are the values or
data which remains unchanged during the execution of a code or
program.
In this section, we will define different types of constants in
programming.

● Integer Constants

First thing first, integers are stored in binary formation. You’ll code
integers, as you use them in your daily routine, for example you will
code eight simply as 8.
The following table will show you different integers, their values in
programming and their data types

Value in Number Data Type


programming
98 +98 int

-865 -865 int

-68495L -68495 long int

984325LU 984325 unsigned long int

● Character Constants

Whenever, you’ll find an integer, closed between two single


apostrophes, this would be character constant. Moreover, there is a
chance that you’ll find a backslash “\” between those apostrophes.
For most machines, ASCll character set is used, i.e.

ASCII Characters Symbolic Display

Null character “\0”

newline ‘\n’

horizontal tab ‘\t’

alert (bell) ‘\a’

backspace ‘\b’

form feed ‘\f’

vertical tab ‘\v’

single quote ‘\’’

backslash ‘\\’

carriage return ‘\r’

● Float Constants

Float constants are stored as two parts in memory as float constants


are numbers having decimal parts. The first part, they obtain in
memory is significand and the second is exponent.
Float constant’s default type is “double”. You must write a code to
specify your desired data type, i.e. “float” or “long double”. We may
remember that “f” or “F” is used to represent float and “l” or “L” is
used to represent long double.
In the following table, some of the examples of float, double and
long double.are shown:
Value in Number Data Type
Programming

.0 0.00 double

0. 0.00 double

3.0 3.0 double

5.6534 5.6534 double

-3.0f -3.0 float

5.6534785674L 5.6534785674 long double

● Boolean Constants
These constants are predefined keywords and they can not be
defined or declared by the programmer. It has two predefined
constants, “True” and “False”. In programming, we represent this
kind of constant as “bool”.

● Programming Constants

In this part, we are going to understand different programming


constants, and ways to write and define constants in a C++
program. Usually, there are three types of programming constants.
● Defined Constants
A way to define a constant in a C++ program is to use a precompiler
statement “define”. Like every other precompiler directive, it starts
with a “#”. For example, a traditional precompiler directive for
“define” would be:
#define TABLE_SIZE 150
Define directives are usually placed in the beginning of the program,
so that anyone reading your program, can find them easily.
● Memory Constants
Another way to code constants is by using a memory constant.
These constants use a C++ type qualifier to remember that the
specified data can not be changed.
C++ programming provides us with an ability to define named
constants. We just have to add type qualifier in our code, before
constant. For example:
Code :
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
#define val 50
#define floatVal 9.7
#define charVal 'K'
int main()
{
cout << "Integer Constant in our code: " << val
<< "\n";
cout << "Floating point Constant in our code: "
<< floatVal << "\n";
cout << "Character Constant in our code: "<<
charVal << "\n" ;
return 0;
}
Output :
In the case of this code, a console screen will pop up with the
output:
Integer Constant in our code: 50
Floating point Constant in our code: 9.7
Character Constant in our code: K
● Literal Constants
Literal constant is a constant which is unnamed and used to specify
your desired data. As we know constant can not be changed so we
just have to code its data value in a statement.
Literal constant is the most common form of constant. Here is a
table to show different kind of literal constants.

Values Type
‘C’ Character Literal

7 Numeric Literal 7

C+8 Another Numeric Literal (8)

5.6534 Float Literal

Hello String Literal

1.4 Data Type

A data type defines a set of operations and values that have the
ability to apply on the concerned values. For example, a switch of a
light bulb can be compared to a computer system as it has two
different values; True as On, and False as off. Since the bulb switch
contain just these two values, we can consider its size as two. There
are just two operations that can be done with a bulb switch:
● We can turn it On
● We can turn it Off
In a C++ program, functions have their own unique types. Usually, a
function's type is specified by the data it returns. C++ usually
contains five standard data types:
● void (Void)
● Int (Integer)
● char (Character)
● bool (Boolean)
● float (Floating Point)

● void (Void)
In C++, void has no operations or no functions. In simpler words,
both the set of operations and the set of values are empty. It is a
very useful data type in programming although it seem unusual.
Typically, it is a generic data type that can represent any other
standard data types.

● int (Integer)
In C++, integer is a number without having a fraction part, we
usually call it an integral number. Our concerned language supports
three types of integers as its data types:
● short (Short Integer)
● Int (Integer)
● long (Long Integer)
C++ allows us to use an operator “size of”, that may tell us the size
of our data types. Whenever, we are coding in C++, we should keep
this statement in mind:
sizeof (long int) => sizeof (int) => sizeof (short int)
● char (Character)

We usually think of characters as the alphabet or numbers, but


programming has its another definition. By this definition a character
can be any number, value or symbol that can be represented by the
machine or computer’s alphabets.
Moreover, we have to remember that C++ usually treat characters
as an integer because it uses memory as an integer i.e. between 0
to 255.

● bool (Boolean - logical data in C++)

Boolean data types has two functions, True and False. Traditionally, a
zero is considered as false and any non-zero part is considered as
true.

● float (Floating Point)

Float data type or floating point is usually a data type having a


fractional part. When coding in float data type, we should always
consider this statement:
sizeof (long double) => sizeof (double) => size of (float)
We may think that the data type, float and data type, integer are the
same, but there are many differences as the “float” is always
declared in a C++ program.

Data Types Implementations


Void void

Integer Unsigned short int, unsigned int,


unsigned long int, short int, int,
long int

Character char

Floating point float, double, long double

Boolean bool

1.5 Variables

Variable, in C++ are memory locations, having different data types,


such as character or integers. Variables are manipulatable and
changeable because the use a set of different operations.

● Variable Initialization

By using an initializer, we can declare and initialize a variable at the


very same time. Basically, initializer set up the variable’s very first
value. Usually, an identifier is followed by a “=” sign to first initialize
and then define a variable’s initial value, when the function starts.
Simple syntax of initialization is:
Int count = 0
Moving forward, we have to keep in mind that whenever a variable
is defined, it is not automatically initialized. The programmer should
be the one to initialize any variable, when the program starts.

● Variable Declaration
Every variable, in a program, must be defined and declared. In C++,
we use Definition to create different objects and we use Declaration
to name those objects. Whenever a programmer creates a variable,
definition reserves memory for it and definition assigns it a symbolic
name. Variables, when assigned, hold data that is required by the
program to fulfil its task.
In C++, multiple variable of the similar types can be declared in a
single statement. Many programmers use this technique but we
won’t be recommending this as this is not a good programming
technique. This reduces the efficiency of program and the efficiency
for the execution process of compiler.
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peace, or take Mr. Power from those who need him more. So to-day,
when you so sweetly offered to help me if you could, it quite went to
my heart, and seemed so friendly and comfortable, I could not resist
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They had risen, as a stir within told them the guest was going;
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If there had been any hidden purpose in her mind, any false
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But in her heart was nothing but a sincere desire to prove
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"I will," was David's emphatic answer, and then, as if to seal the
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peace pervaded her soul, a new interest made the dullest task
agreeable, and life grew so inexpressibly sweet that she felt as if she
could forgive all her enemies, love her friends more than ever, and
do any thing great, good, or glorious.
She had known such moods before, but they had never lasted
long, and were not so intense as this; therefore, she was sure some
blessed power had come to uphold and cheer her. She sang like a
lark as she swept and dusted; thought high and happy thoughts
among the pots and kettles, and, when she sat sewing, smiled
unconsciously as if some deep satisfaction made sunshine from
within. Heart and soul seemed to wake up and rejoice as naturally
and beautifully as flowers in the spring. A soft brightness shone in
her eyes, a fuller tone sounded in her voice, and her face grew
young and blooming with the happiness that transfigures all it
touches.
"Christie 's growing handsome," David would say to his mother, as
if she was a flower in which he took pride.
"Thee is a good gardener, Davy," the old lady would reply, and
when he was busy would watch him with a tender sort of anxiety, as
if to discover a like change in him.
But no alteration appeared, except more cheerfulness and less
silence; for now there was no need to hide his real self, and all the
social virtues in him came out delightfully after their long solitude.
In her present uplifted state, Christie could no more help
regarding David as a martyr and admiring him for it, than she could
help mixing sentiment with her sympathy. By the light of the late
confessions, his life and character looked very different to her now.
His apparent contentment was resignation; his cheerfulness, a manly
contempt for complaint; his reserve, the modest reticence of one
who, having done a hard duty well, desires no praise for it. Like all
enthusiastic persons, Christie had a hearty admiration for self-
sacrifice and self-control; and, while she learned to see David's
virtues, she also exaggerated them, and could not do enough to
show the daily increasing esteem and respect she felt for him, and
to atone for the injustice she once did him.
She grubbed in the garden and green-house, and learned hard
botanical names that she might be able to talk intelligently upon
subjects that interested her comrade. Then, as autumn ended out-
of-door work, she tried to make home more comfortable and
attractive than ever.
David's room was her especial care; for now to her there was
something pathetic in the place and its poor furnishing. He had
fought many a silent battle there; won many a secret victory; and
tried to cheer his solitude with the best thoughts the minds of the
bravest, wisest men could give him.
She did not smile at the dilapidated idols now, but touched them
tenderly, and let no dust obscure their well-beloved faces. She set
the books in order daily, taking many a sip of refreshment from them
by the way, and respectfully regarded those in unknown tongues, full
of admiration for David's learning. She covered the irruptive sofa
neatly; saw that the little vase was always clear and freshly filled;
cared for the nursery in the gable-window; and preserved an
exquisite neatness everywhere, which delighted the soul of the
room's order-loving occupant.
She also—alas, for romance!—cooked the dishes David loved, and
liked to see him enjoy them with the appetite which once had
shocked her so. She watched over his buttons with a vigilance that
would have softened the heart of the crustiest bachelor: she even
gave herself the complexion of a lemon by wearing blue, because
David liked the pretty contrast with his mother's drabs.
After recording that last fact, it is unnecessary to explain what was
the matter with Christie. She honestly thought she had got religion;
but it was piety's twin-sister, who produced this wonderful revival in
her soul; and though she began in all good faith she presently
discovered that she was

"Not the first maiden


Who came but for friendship,
And took away love."

After the birthnight confessions, David found it easier to go on


with the humdrum life he had chosen from a sense of duty; for now
he felt as if he had not only a fellow-worker, but a comrade and
friend who understood, sympathized with, and encouraged him by
an interest and good-will inexpressibly comfortable and inspiring.
Nothing disturbed the charm of the new league in those early days;
for Christie was thoroughly simple and sincere, and did her womanly
work with no thought of reward or love or admiration.
David saw this, and felt it more attractive than any gift of beauty
or fascination of manner would have been. He had no desire to be a
lover, having forbidden himself that hope; but he found it so easy
and pleasant to be a friend that he reproached himself for not trying
it before; and explained his neglect by the fact that Christie was not
an ordinary woman, since none of all the many he had known and
helped, had ever been any thing to him but objects of pity and
protection.
Mrs. Sterling saw these changes with her wise, motherly eyes, but
said nothing; for she influenced others by the silent power of
character. Speaking little, and unusually gifted with the meditative
habits of age, she seemed to live in a more peaceful world than this.
As George MacDonald somewhere says, "Her soul seemed to sit
apart in a sunny little room, safe from dust and noise, serenely
regarding passers-by through the clear muslin curtains of her
window."
Yet, she was neither cold nor careless, stern nor selfish, but ready
to share all the joys and sorrows of those about her; and when
advice was asked she gave it gladly. Christie had won her heart long
ago, and now was as devoted as a daughter to her; lightening her
cares so skilfully that many of them slipped naturally on to the
young shoulders, and left the old lady much time for rest, or the
lighter tasks fitted for feeble hands. Christie often called her
"Mother," and felt herself rewarded for the hardest, humblest job she
ever did when the sweet old voice said gratefully, "I thank thee,
daughter."
Things were in this prosperous, not to say paradisiacal, state,
when one member of the family began to make discoveries of an
alarming nature. The first was that the Sunday pilgrimages to church
were seasons of great refreshment to soul and body when David
went also, and utter failures if he did not. Next, that the restless
ambitions of all sorts were quite gone; for now Christie's mission
seemed to be sitting in a quiet corner and making shirts in the most
exquisite manner, while thinking about—well, say botany, or any
kindred subject. Thirdly, that home was woman's sphere after all,
and the perfect roasting of beef, brewing of tea, and concocting of
delectable puddings, an end worth living for if masculine
commendation rewarded the labor.
Fourthly, and worst of all, she discovered that she was not
satisfied with half confidences, and quite pined to know all about
"David's trouble." The little needle-book with the faded "Letty" on it
haunted her; and when, after a pleasant evening below, she heard
him pace his room for hours, or play melancholy airs upon the flute,
she was jealous of that unknown woman who had such power to
disturb his peace, and felt a strong desire to smash the musical
confidante into whose responsive breast he poured his woe.
At this point Christie paused; and, after evading any explanation
of these phenomena in the most skilful manner for a time, suddenly
faced the fact, saying to herself with great candor and decision:
"I know what all this means: I'm beginning to like David more
than is good for me. I see this clearly, and won't dodge any longer,
but put a stop to it at once. Of course I can if I choose, and now is
the time to do it; for I understand myself perfectly, and if I reach a
certain point it is all over with me. That point I will not reach:
David's heart is in that Letty's grave, and he only cares for me as a
friend. I promised to be one to him, and I'll keep my word like an
honest woman. It may not be easy; but all the sacrifices shall not be
his, and I won't be a fool."
With praiseworthy resolution Christie set about the reformation
without delay; not an easy task and one that taxed all her wit and
wisdom to execute without betraying the motive for it. She decided
that Mrs. Sterling must not be left alone on Sunday, so the young
people took turns to go to church, and such dismal trips Christie had
never known; for all her Sundays were bad weather, and Mr. Power
seemed to hit on unusually uninteresting texts.
She talked while she sewed instead of indulging in dangerous
thoughts, and Mrs. Sterling was surprised and entertained by this
new loquacity. In the evening she read and studied with a diligence
that amazed and rather disgusted David; since she kept all her lively
chat for his mother, and pored over her books when he wanted her
for other things.
"I'm trying to brighten up my wits," she said, and went on trying
to stifle her affections.
But though "the absurdity," as she called the new revelation, was
stopped externally, it continued with redoubled vigor internally. Each
night she said, "this must be conquered," yet each morning it rose
fair and strong to make the light and beauty of her day, and conquer
her again. She did her best and bravest, but was forced at last to
own that she could not "put a stop to it," because she had already
reached the point where "it was all over with her."
Just at this critical moment an event occurred which completed
Christie's defeat, and made her feel that her only safety lay in flight.
One evening she sat studying ferns, and heroically saying over
and over, "Andiantum, Aspidium, and Asplenium, Trichomanes,"
while longing to go and talk delightfully to David, who sat musing by
the fire.
"I can't go on so much longer," she thought despairingly.
"Polypodium aureum, a native of Florida," is all very interesting in its
place; but it doesn't help me to gain self-control a bit, and I shall
disgrace myself if something doesn't happen very soon."
Something did happen almost instantly; for as she shut the cover
sharply on the poor Polypods, a knock was heard, and before David
could answer it the door flew open and a girl ran in. Straight to him
she went, and clinging to his arm said excitedly: "Oh, do take care of
me: I 've run away again!"
"Why, Kitty, what's the matter now?" asked David, putting back
her hood, and looking down at her with the paternal expression
Christie had not seen for a long time, and missed very much.
"Father found me, and took me home, and wanted me to marry a
dreadful man, and I wouldn't, so I ran away to you. He didn't know I
came here before, and I'm safe if you'll let me stay," cried Kitty, still
clinging and imploring.
"Of course I will, and glad to see you back again," answered
David, adding pitifully, as he put her in his easy-chair, took her cloak
and hood off and stood stroking her curly hair: "Poor little girl! it is
hard to have to run away so much: isn't it?"
"Not if I come here; it's so pleasant I'd like to stay all my life," and
Kitty took a long breath, as if her troubles were over now. "Who's
that?" she asked suddenly, as her eye fell on Christie, who sat
watching her with interest:
"That is our good friend Miss Devon. She came to take your place,
and we got so fond of her we could not let her go," answered David
with a gesture of introduction, quite unconscious that his position
just then was about as safe and pleasant as that of a man between
a lighted candle and an open powder barrel.
The two young women nodded to each other, took a swift survey,
and made up their minds before David had poked the fire. Christie
saw a pretty face with rosy cheeks, blue eyes, and brown rings of
hair lying on the smooth, low forehead; a young face, but not
childlike, for it was conscious of its own prettiness, and betrayed the
fact by little airs and graces that reminded one of a coquettish
kitten. Short and slender, she looked more youthful than she was;
while a gay dress, with gilt ear-rings, locket at the throat, and a
cherry ribbon in her hair made her a bright little figure in that plain
room.
Christie suddenly felt as if ten years had been added to her age,
as she eyed the new-comer, who leaned back in the great chair
talking to David, who stood on the rug, evidently finding it
pleasanter to look at the vivacious face before him than at the fire.
"Just the pretty, lively sort of girl sensible men often marry, and
then discover how silly they are," thought Christie, taking up her
work and assuming an indifferent air.
"She's a lady and nice looking, but I know I shan't like her," was
Kitty's decision, as she turned away and devoted herself to David,
hoping he would perceive how much she had improved and admire
her accordingly.
"So you don't want to marry this Miles because he is not
handsome. You'd better think again before you make up your mind.
He is respectable, well off, and fond of you, it seems. Why not try it,
Kitty? You need some one to take care of you sadly," David said,
when her story had been told.
"If father plagues me much I may take the man; but I'd rather
have the other one if he wasn't poor," answered Kitty with a side-
long glance of the blue eyes, and a conscious smile on the red lips.
"Oh, there's another lover, is there?"
"Lots of 'em."
David laughed and looked at Christie as if inviting her to be
amused with the freaks and prattle of a child. But Christie sewed
away without a sign of interest.
"That won't do, Kitty: you are too young for much of such
nonsense. I shall keep you here a while, and see if we can't settle
matters both wisely and pleasantly," he said, shaking his head as
sagely as a grandfather.
"I'm sure I wish you would: I love to stay here, you are always so
good to me. I'm in no hurry to be married; and you won't make me:
will you?"
Kitty rose as she spoke, and stood before him with a beseeching
little gesture, and a confiding air quite captivating to behold.
Christie was suddenly seized with a strong desire to shake the girl
and call her an "artful little hussy," but crushed this unaccountable
impulse, and hemmed a pocket-handkerchief with reckless rapidity,
while she stole covert glances at the tableau by the fire.
David put his finger under Kitty's round chin, and lifting her face
looked into it, trying to discover if she really cared for this suitor who
seemed so providentially provided for her. Kitty smiled and blushed,
and dimpled under that grave look so prettily that it soon changed,
and David let her go, saying indulgently:
"You shall not be troubled, for you are only a child after all. Let
the lovers go, and stay and play with me, for I've been rather lonely
lately."
"That's a reproach for me," thought Christie, longing to cry out:
"No, no; send the girl away and let me be all in all to you." But she
only turned up the lamp and pretended to be looking for a spool,
while her heart ached and her eyes were too dim for seeing.
"I'm too old to play, but I'll stay and tease you as I used to, if
Miles don't come and carry me off as he said he would," answered
Kitty, with a toss of the head which showed she was not so childlike
as David fancied. But the next minute she was sitting on a stool at
his feet petting the cat, while she told her adventures with girlish
volubility.
Christie could not bear to sit and look on any longer, so she left
the room, saying she would see if Mrs. Sterling wanted any thing, for
the old lady kept her room with a touch of rheumatism. As she shut
the door, Christie heard Kitty say softly:
"Now we'll be comfortable as we used to be: won't we?"
What David answered Christie did not stay to hear, but went into
the kitchen, and had her first pang of jealousy out alone, while she
beat up the buckwheats for breakfast with an energy that made
them miracles of lightness on the morrow.
When she told Mrs. Sterling of the new arrival, the placid little lady
gave a cluck of regret and said with unusual emphasis:
"I'm sorry for it."
"Why?" asked Christie, feeling as if she could embrace the speaker
for the words.
"She is a giddy little thing, and much care to whoever befriends
her." Mrs. Sterling would say no more, but, as Christie bade her
good-night, she held her hand, saying with a kiss:
"No one will take thy place with me, my daughter."
For a week Christie suffered constant pin-pricks of jealousy,
despising herself all the time, and trying to be friendly with the
disturber of her peace. As if prompted by an evil spirit, Kitty
unconsciously tried and tormented her from morning to night, and
no one saw or guessed it unless Mrs. Sterling's motherly heart
divined the truth. David seemed to enjoy the girl's lively chat, her
openly expressed affection, and the fresh young face that always
brightened when he came.
Presently, however, Christie saw a change in him, and suspected
that he had discovered that Kitty was a child no longer, but a young
girl with her head full of love and lovers. The blue eyes grew shy,
the pretty face grew eloquent with blushes now and then, as he
looked at it, and the lively tongue faltered sometimes in speaking to
him. A thousand little coquetries were played off for his benefit, and
frequent appeals for advice in her heart affairs kept tender subjects
uppermost in their conversations.
At first all this seemed to amuse David as much as if Kitty were a
small child playing at sweethearts; but soon his manner changed,
growing respectful, and a little cool when Kitty was most confiding.
He no longer laughed about Miles, stopped calling her "little girl,"
and dropped his paternal ways as he had done with Christie. By
many indescribable but significant signs he showed that he
considered Kitty a woman now and treated her as such, being all the
more scrupulous in the respect he paid her, because she was so
unprotected, and so wanting in the natural dignity and refinement
which are a woman's best protection.
Christie admired him for this, but saw in it the beginning of a
tenderer feeling than pity, and felt each day that she was one too
many now.
Kitty was puzzled and piqued by these changes, and being a born
flirt tried all her powers on David, veiled under guileless girlishness.
She was very pretty, very charming, and at times most lovable and
sweet when all that was best in her shallow little heart was touched.
But it was evident to all that her early acquaintance with the hard
and sordid side of life had brushed the bloom from her nature, and
filled her mind with thoughts and feelings unfitted to her years.
Mrs. Sterling was very kind to her, but never treated her as she
did Christie; and though not a word was spoken between them the
elder women knew that they quite agreed in their opinion of Kitty.
She evidently was rather afraid of the old lady, who said so little and
saw so much. Christie also she shunned without appearing to do so,
and when alone with her put on airs that half amused, half irritated
the other.
"David is my friend, and I don't care for any one else," her manner
said as plainly as words; and to him she devoted herself so entirely,
and apparently so successfully, that Christie made up her mind he
had at last begun to forget his Letty, and think of filling the void her
loss had left.
A few words which she accidentally overheard confirmed this idea,
and showed her what she must do. As she came quietly in one
evening from a stroll in the lane, and stood taking off cloak and
hood, she caught a glimpse through the half-open parlor door of
David pacing to and fro with a curiously excited expression on his
face, and heard Mrs. Sterling say with unusual warmth:
"Thee is too hard upon thyself, Davy. Forget the past and be
happy as other men are. Thee has atoned for thy fault long ago, so
let me see thee at peace before I die, my son."
"Not yet, mother, not yet. I have no right to hope or ask for any
woman's love till I am worthier of it," answered David in a tone that
thrilled Christie's heart: it was so full of love and longing.
Here Kitty came running in from the green-house with her hands
full of flowers, and passing Christie, who was fumbling among the
cloaks in the passage, she went to show David some new blossom.
He had no time to alter the expression of his face for its usual
grave serenity: Kitty saw the change at once, and spoke of it with
her accustomed want of tact.
"How handsome you look! What are you thinking about?" she
said, gazing up at him with her own eyes bright with wonder, and
her cheeks glowing with the delicate carmine of the frosty air.
"I am thinking that you look more like a rose than ever," answered
David turning her attention from himself by a compliment, and
beginning to admire the flowers, still with that flushed and kindled
look on his own face.
Christie crept upstairs, and, sitting in the dark, decided with the
firmness of despair to go away, lest she should betray the secret that
possessed her, a dead hope now, but still too dear to be concealed.
"Mr. Power told me to come to him when I got tired of this. I'll say
I am tired and try something else, no matter what: I can bear any
thing, but to stand quietly by and see David marry that empty-
hearted girl, who dares to show that she desires to win him. Out of
sight of all this, I can conquer my love, at least hide it; but if I stay I
know I shall betray myself in some bitter minute, and I'd rather die
than do that."
Armed with this resolution, Christie went the next day to Mr.
Power, and simply said: "I am not needed at the Sterlings any more:
can you give me other work to do?"
Mr. Power's keen eye searched her face for a moment, as if to
discover the real motive for her wish. But Christie had nerved herself
to bear that look, and showed no sign of her real trouble, unless the
set expression of her lips, and the unnatural steadiness of her eyes
betrayed it to that experienced reader of human hearts.
Whatever he suspected or saw, Mr. Power kept to himself, and
answered in his cordial way:
"Well, I've been expecting you would tire of that quiet life, and
have plenty of work ready for you. One of my good Dorcases is tired
out and must rest; so you shall take her place and visit my poor,
report their needs, and supply them as fast as we can. Does that
suit you?"
"Entirely, sir. Where shall I live?" asked Christie, with an
expression of relief that said much.
"Here for the present. I want a secretary to put my papers in
order, write some of my letters, and do a thousand things to help a
busy man. My old housekeeper likes you, and will let you take a
duster now and then if you don't find enough other work to do.
When can you come?"
Christie answered with a long breath of satisfaction: "To-morrow,
if you like."
"I do: can you be spared so soon?"
"Oh, yes! they don't want me now at all, or I would not leave
them. Kitty can take my place: she needs protection more than I;
and there is not room for two." She checked herself there, conscious
that a tone of bitterness had crept into her voice. Then quite steadily
she added:
"Will you be kind enough to write, and ask Mrs. Sterling if she can
spare me? I shall find it hard to tell her myself, for I fear she may
think me ungrateful after all her kindness."
"No: she is used to parting with those whom she has helped, and
is always glad to set them on their way toward better things. I will
write to-morrow, and you can come whenever you will, sure of a
welcome, my child."
Something in the tone of those last words, and the pressure of the
strong, kind hand, touched Christie's sore heart, and made it
impossible for her to hide the truth entirely.
She only said: "Thank you, sir. I shall be very glad to come;" but
her eyes were full, and she held his hand an instant, as if she clung
to it sure of succor and support.
Then she went home so pale and quiet; so helpful, patient, and
affectionate, that Mrs. Sterling watched her anxiously; David looked
amazed; and, even self-absorbed Kitty saw the change, and was
touched by it.
On the morrow, Mr. Power's note came, and Christie fled upstairs
while it was read and discussed.
"If I get through this parting without disgracing myself, I don't
care what happens to me afterward," she said; and, in order that
she might do so, she assumed a cheerful air, and determined to
depart with all the honors of war, if she died in the attempt.
So, when Mrs. Sterling called her down, she went humming into
the parlor, smiled as she read the note silently given her, and then
said with an effort greater than any she had ever made in her most
arduous part on the stage:
"Yes, I did say to Mr. Power that I thought I'd better be moving
on. I'm a restless creature as you know; and, now that you don't
need me, I've a fancy to see more of the world. If you want me back
again in the spring, I'll come."
"I shall want thee, my dear, but will not say a word to keep thee
now, for thee does need a change, and Mr. Power can give thee
work better suited to thy taste than any here. We shall see thee
sometimes, and spring will make thee long for the flowers, I hope,"
was Mrs. Sterling's answer, as Christie gave back the note at the end
of her difficult speech.
"Don't think me ungrateful. I have been very happy here, and
never shall forget how motherly kind you have been to me. You will
believe this and love me still, though I go away and leave you for a
little while?" prayed Christie, with a face full of treacherous emotion.
Mrs. Sterling laid her hand on Christie's head, as she knelt down
impulsively before her, and with a soft solemnity that made the
words both an assurance and a blessing, she said:
"I believe and love and honor thee, my child. My heart warmed to
thee from the first: it has taken thee to itself now; and nothing can
ever come between us, unless thee wills it. Remember that, and go
in peace with an old friend's thanks, and good wishes in return for
faithful service, which no money can repay."
Christie laid her cheek against that wrinkled one, and, for a
moment, was held close to that peaceful old heart which felt so
tenderly for her, yet never wounded her by a word of pity. Infinitely
comforting was that little instant of time, when the venerable
woman consoled the young one with a touch, and strengthened her
by the mute eloquence of sympathy.
This made the hardest task of all easier to perform; and, when
David met her in the evening, Christie was ready to play out her
part, feeling that Mrs. Sterling would help her, if need be. But David
took it very quietly; at least, he showed no very poignant regret at
her departure, though he lamented it, and hoped it would not be a
very long absence. This wounded Christie terribly; for all of a sudden
a barrier seemed to rise between them, and the old friendliness
grew chilled.
"He thinks I am ungrateful, and is offended," she said to herself.
"Well, I can bear coldness better than kindness now, and it will make
it easier to go."
Kitty was pleased at the prospect of reigning alone, and did not
disguise her satisfaction; so Christie's last day was any thing but
pleasant. Mr. Power would send for her on the morrow, and she
busied herself in packing her own possessions, setting every thing in
order, and making various little arrangements for Mrs. Sterling's
comfort, as Kitty was a heedless creature; willing enough, but very
forgetful. In the evening some neighbors came in; so that dangerous
time was safely passed, and Christie escaped to her own room with
her usual quiet good-night all round.
"We won't have any sentimental demonstrations; no wailing, or
tender adieux. If I'm weak enough to break my heart, no one need
know it,—least of all, that little fool," thought Christie, grimly, as she
burnt up several long-cherished relics of her love.
She was up early, and went about her usual work with the sad
pleasure with which one performs a task for the last time. Lazy little
Kitty never appeared till the bell rang; and Christie was fond of that
early hour, busy though it was, for David was always before her with
blazing fires; and, while she got breakfast, he came and went with
wood and water, milk and marketing; often stopping to talk, and
always in his happiest mood.
The first snow-fall had made the world wonderfully lovely that
morning; and Christie stood at the window admiring the bridal look
of the earth, as it lay dazzlingly white in the early sunshine. The little
parlor was fresh and clean, with no speck of dust anywhere; the fire
burned on the bright andirons; the flowers were rejoicing in their
morning bath; and the table was set out with dainty care. So
homelike, so pleasant, so very dear to her, that Christie yearned to
stay, yet dared not, and had barely time to steady face and voice,
when David came in with the little posies he always had ready for his
mother and Christie at breakfast time. Only a flower by their plates;
but it meant much to them: for, in these lives of ours, tender little
acts do more to bind hearts together than great, deeds or heroic
words; since the first are like the dear daily bread that none can live
without; the latter but occasional feasts, beautiful and memorable,
but not possible to all.
This morning David laid a sprig of sweet-scented balm at his
mother's place, two or three rosy daisies at Kitty's, and a bunch of
Christie's favorite violets at hers. She smiled as her eye went from
the scentless daisies, so pertly pretty, to her own posy full of
perfume, and the half sad, half sweet associations that haunt these
blue-eyed flowers.
"I wanted pansies for you, but not one would bloom; so I did the
next best, since you don't like roses," said David, as Christie stood
looking at the violets with a thoughtful face, for something in the
peculiarly graceful arrangement of the heart-shaped leaves recalled
another nosegay to her mind.
"I like these very much, because they came to me in the
beginning of this, the happiest year of my life;" and scarcely
knowing why, except that it was very sweet to talk with David in the
early sunshine, she told about the flowers some one had given her
at church. As she finished she looked up at him; and, though his
face was perfectly grave, his eyes laughed, and with a sudden
conviction of the truth, Christie exclaimed!
"David, I do believe it was you!"
"I couldn't help it: you seemed so touched and troubled. I longed
to speak to you, but didn't dare, so dropped the flowers and got
away as fast as possible. Did you think it very rude?"
"I thought it the sweetest thing that ever happened to me. That
was my first step along a road that you have strewn with flowers
ever since. I can't thank you, but I never shall forget it." Christie
spoke out fervently, and for an instant her heart shone in her face.
Then she checked herself, and, fearing she had said too much, fell to
slicing bread with an energetic rapidity which resulted in a cut finger.
Dropping the knife, she tried to get her handkerchief, but the blood
flowed fast, and the pain of a deep gash made her a little faint.
David sprung to help her, tied up the wound, put her in the big chair,
held water to her lips, and bathed her temples with a wet napkin;
silently, but so tenderly, that it was almost too much for poor
Christie.
For one happy moment her head lay on his arm, and his hand
brushed back her hair with a touch that was a caress: she heard his
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