Leaving the father to secure the boat, the mother and daughter walked rapidly up the weed-grown, leaf-strewn path that led through the autumn woods to the park gate. Here they were met by old ’Sias, whom they found standing, leaning over the bars, talking to his sister Sally. “Dr. Willy waitin’ for you up to de house, honey, and I jes’ run down here to de gate to see if you was coming,” said Sally, while ’Sias opened the gate to admit them. “Dr. Willet here again! Is Ann Whitlock worse?” inquired Susan in alarm, as she entered the park. “Laws, no, honey; it is only his goodness to come ag’in. He’s a nice, quiet ge’man, honey, as ever I see in my life. I warrant you now he never does nuffin to nobody,” said Sally. “And jes’ as ’tentive to ole Miss Whitlock’s if she was a p’incess in her own palace, ’stead o’ being of a poor ’pendent hanging on to you. I ’clare I never see nuffin like it in all de days of my life, and dat’s a hundred and fifty years, more or less, honey, more or less,” solemnly exclaimed the old gatekeeper. “Now go away from here, Jose_phi_as Elphine! Hundred and fifty years, indeed! We is twin sisters, you and me; and I know I ain’t no hundred and fifty year old, neither more _nor_ less, I tell you all good,” indignantly protested Sally. “Come, mother, let us go on to the house,” said Em., anxious to see her patient. “Don’t run away, honey,” exclaimed Sally, mistaking the young girl’s motives. “Don’t be feared of me. I don’t mean no harm. I never does nuffin to nobody, honey, only I _must_ chas_tise_ ’Sias for his braggin’ lies.” “Come along with us, Aunt Sally, I want you,” said Susan, as she followed Em., who was walking rapidly up the grass-grown drive toward the house. The three were soon overtaken by the long strides of John Palmer, who came up with the hamper of champagne on his shoulder. At the house-door they were met by Dr. Willet, who cordially shook hands with John and Susan and patted Em. on the head in a fatherly fashion. “I think the old woman is doing very well under the circumstances,” he said in answer to Susan’s inquiry. Then Mrs. Palmer spoke of the timely present of wine, made by the Lady of Edengarden, and asked the doctor if it might be freely given to the patient. “Indeed, yes, it is what I should have ordered if I had dreamed of its being attainable here,” he replied. And then, resisting all kind invitations to re-enter the house, he mounted his horse, that stood waiting, bowed adieux and rode away. John carried his hamper of wine into the kitchen, followed by Susan and Em. He put it down on the floor, opened it and drew out a bottle. “Here, Susan,” he said, “take this right up to the old woman and give her a drink at once.” “Come, Em.,” said the good mother, hurrying from the room. They found Mrs. Whitlock conscious, though unable to speak. They gave her a large goblet full of the sparkling wine, Em. holding her up while Susan placed the glass at her lips.