"Oh, thee's only joking, then. Well, all I ask of thee is to get well just enough to drive Dapple around with me. He'll put life into thee--never fear. When I get hold of the reins he fairly makes my hands tingle. But there, mother said I shouldn't let thee talk, but tell her right away," and he started for the door. "How is Miss Warren? Is she never coming to see me?" "Emily Warren's been dreadfully anxious about thee. I never saw any one change so. But to-day she has been like a lark. She went with me to the village this morning, and she had almost as much spirit and life as Dapple. She's a jolly good girl. I like her. We're all so glad thee's getting well we don't know what to do. Father said he felt like jumping over a five-bar fence. Only Adah acts kind of queer and glum." "I think I hear talking," said Mrs. Yocomb, entering. "Dear Mrs. Yocomb," I laughed, "you are the most amiable and beneficent dragon that ever watched over a captive." "Thee wants watching. The moment my back's turned thee's into mischief, and the young people are just as bad. Reuben, I might better have left Zillah here." "Do let her come," I exclaimed; "she'll do more good than medicine." "Well, she shall bring thee up thy chicken broth; that will please her wonderfully. Go away, Reuben, and tell Zillah to bring the broth--not another word. Does thee feel better, Richard?" "Oh, I am almost well. I'm ashamed to own how hungry I am." "That's a good sign--a very good sign." "Mrs. Yocomb, how did I become so ill? I'm haunted by the oddest sense of not remembering something that happened after you spoke to us the other evening." "There's nothing strange in people's being sick--thee knows that. Then thee had been overworking so long that thee had to pay the penalty." "Yes, I remember that. Thank Heaven I drifted into this quiet harbor before the storm came. I should have died in New York." "Well, thee knows where to come now when thee's going to have another bad turn. I hope, however, that thee'll be too good a man to overwork so again. Now thee's talked enough." "Can I not see Mr. Yocomb, and--and--Miss Warren this evening?" "No, not till to-morrow. Father's been waiting till I said he could come; but he's so hearty-like that I won't trust him till thee's stronger." "Is--is Miss Warren so hearty-like also? It seems to me her laugh would put life into a mummy." "Well, thee isn't a mummy, so she can't come till to-morrow." She had been smoothing my pillow and bathing my face with cologne, thus creating a general sense of comfort and refreshment. Now she lifted my head on her strong, plump arm, and brushed my hair. Tears came into my eyes as I said brokenly: "I can remember my mother doing this for me when I was ill once and a little fellow. I've taken care of myself ever since. You can have no idea how grateful your manner is to one who has no one to care for him specially."