When Uncle Ezra told me this, I burst out crying, and felt as if I should die with sorrow; but father comforted me, and said Race was doing well, and was as cheerful as ever, and had asked them not to tell he was hurt, for fear it might worry me. Now wasn't he a noble fellow; and what did it matter if he _was_ homely? I felt some curiosity to know what had become of Ned Hassel, for no one had mentioned him while I was sick, but I didn't like to ask; however, I think father must have known my thoughts, for just as he was going out of the room, he turned back, and said: 'If you'd like to know anything about your 2.40 beau, Dimpey, he came up here the day after the picnic to ask about you; but I told him your mother's daughter didn't keep company with liars; and he'd better not show his face inside my dooryard, unless he wanted the boys to put him out. He blustered a little, but I guess he didn't think best to make much noise in _this_ neighborhood; so he took himself off, and that's the last of him.' 'Yes,' thought I, _I_ never want to see him again, I'm sure!' The first time I went to meeting was on a pleasant Sunday afternoon, and if ever any one felt really thankful, I think _I_ did. Uncle Ezra preached a beautiful sermon, and every word of it seemed as if it was meant on purpose for _me_. I hardly dared raise my eyes, but I saw that Mrs. Miller was in her seat as usual, and I heard Race's voice among the singers. When we came out, Mrs. Miller walked right up to me, and kissed me before everybody. I had felt as though she must almost hate me; but she looked so pleasant, it brought the tears into my eyes. 'Do you feel quite strong again, Dimpey?' said she; 'I've heard from you every day; but I haven't been up to see you, because I thought you had plenty of company, and I had my big boy to take care of.' 'Is Race's arm 'most well?' said I. 'Here he is,' said Mrs. Miller; 'ask him yourself.' I turned around, and there stood Race. His arm was in a sling, and he was paler than usual; but he smiled, and his eyes twinkled more than ever; and, would you believe it, he actually looked handsome! I tried to speak, and thank him for all he had done; but I choked, so I could hardly say a word. He walked along by my side till we came to our gate--it isn't far from the meeting house--then he said: 'Dimpey, will you do me a kindness?' 'Yes, Race,' I answered; 'I'd do you a hundred, if I knew how.' 'Well, then, just come over to our house, and take tea with mother; she's been waiting on me so long, I want to do something to please her, and I know you'll brighten her up nicely; _I'm_ such a dull fellow for company, you know.' I didn't _know_ any such thing; but I ran and asked Calanthy if I'd better go, and she said 'Certainly.'