“This kindness to me passeth all understanding. How shall I ever express my gratitude and return this compliment that has been paid me? No, I never expected such treatment as this from the hands of those whose cause I am endeavoring to defeat. Well, my turn will come, and then I shall show them my breeding.” For the next few days Dr. Greydon would not allow Roderick Barclugh to move out of his bed, for his strength was not enough yet to allow very much exertion; but the new surroundings, and especially the beautiful presence of Mollie Greydon, were an inspiration to him. Mollie took a lively interest in the welfare of her father’s guest and patient. Every morning she brought a fresh bouquet of the brightest flowers from the garden and placed them in the sick-room herself; then in the afternoon, she brought her Latin works along with her, and read selections to him. [Illustration: She noticed how longingly he watched her depart.] In the sweet modulations of her voice, Barclugh found repose as he lay on his bed,--weak and emaciated. His strength was not enough to allow him to converse at much length, so that after Mollie had read these classics to him, his heart throbbed with tender emotions and the words that left his lips when she had finished: “I thank you, Miss Greydon,” had the pathos of a heart full of gratitude. As he lay with mind so clear but his body so weak, he often dreamed to himself: “Oh! if my God will only restore me to my full powers again, I shall live only to be worthy of the love of Mollie Greydon. She must be all that is worth living for,--beauty, grace and loving kindness.” Each day as Mollie brought the fresh flowers to the sick-room, and on each occasion that she read to the sick, she noticed how longingly he watched her depart, and how he beamed with joy whenever she entered his sick-chamber to read some well-chosen classic. In the course of a week, Roderick Barclugh began to recover his appetite, and at the end of two weeks, he was strong enough to ride out in the carriage with Mollie and the Doctor. The three would drive in the morning and in the latter part of the afternoon as far as Germantown, and along the banks of the Delaware. These drives greatly benefited Barclugh’s health; he had also a most excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the one who was the desire of his heart. One day as they drove toward Philadelphia they met Segwuna. Nothing would satisfy Mollie unless she rode with them. Mollie made room for her on the seat in the carriage that faced Dr. Greydon and Mr. Barclugh. “Don’t you think that our patient looks much improved, Segwuna?” queried Dr. Greydon, good-naturedly, as the carriage rolled along the highway. “Yes, Dr. Greydon,” answered Segwuna, uncomfortably, as she sat looking vacantly into the carriage top. The others attempted to be gay, but Segwuna’s presence cast a gloom over the ride; she neither smiled nor talked except in monosyllables.