"Months, though. How would you like it to take a year out of your life?" Theodora's brows contracted. "Don't you suppose I ever think about it, Billy Farrington? I should be frantic, if I were in your place, and I don't see how you ever stand it. It makes my wishes seem so small, in comparison. I'd rather be poorer than Job's turkey than spend even one month on my back. Does it hurt; or is it just that you can't do things? Either one is bad enough." "It hurts sometimes." "Now?" He nodded. "I thought you looked tired, as if something bothered you," Theodora said penitently; "and here I've stayed talking to you, when you'd rather have been by yourself." "Honestly, no. You make me forget things." He held out his hand in protest, as she started to rise. "Sit down again." She obeyed him; but she fell silent, as she sat looking up at him. He had more color than usual, she noticed; but there were fine lines between his brows, and his red-gold hair was pushed back from his face, as if its weight irritated him. "But what are the wishes?" he asked, restive under her scrutiny, and seeking to divert her. "Oh, I have dozens and dozens; but there are three great big ones which increase in greatness as they go on." "What are they?" he asked curiously. "You'll get them, if you wait long enough. People always do." "I don't believe it. These are all impossible, and I never expect to get them; but I want them, all the same. I want--" She hesitated, laughing and blushing a little. "You'll make fun of me." "No, I won't. Go on and tell." "I want a bicycle first. Then I want to go to college." She hesitated again and stuck fast. "And then?" She raised her head and spoke rapidly. "Don't laugh; but I want some day to be an author and write books." She started abruptly, for a white hand suddenly rested on her shoulder. "Bravo, Miss Teddy!--for it is Miss Teddy; isn't it? Will has told me about you and I'm glad to get a glimpse of you at last. Your wishes are good ones, all of them, and I hope you will get them, and get them soon." As she spoke, Mrs. Farrington moved across and seated herself on the edge of the lounge. "How is the pain, Will?" she asked, bending over to settle him more comfortably. "I was sorry to leave you so long; but you were in good hands. Miss Teddy, this boy of mine says that you have been very good to him, since we came here."