"Never mind. We have our cushions and lap-robe to help out. Who would have dreamed, Grace, when we were at Wellesley, that we should meet way out here in the wilds of Arizona? Oh, I'm _so_ glad to see you!" "So am I, to see you. Now tell me all you know about the girls of our class, Esther." They were in the midst of a vivacious conversation, when a sleek, tow-headed woman appeared at the door, and was presented to them. Then she announced supper, and disappeared. "Don't be frightened," whispered the merry hostess to her guests. "She's tame, and won't bite, and the food is clean." The landlady entered the kitchen, and after serving them, left the room. The hours sped merrily. The sick girl lay on the little bed, listening to college reminiscences, and joining occasionally in the conversation and laughter. "Esther," said Miss Gale, "let's give the Wellesley yell for Edith." "Well! Here goes!" said Esther, joining her friend. Suddenly, the tow-head appeared at the door. "Be ye sick?" inquired the surprised hostess. "No," answered Miss Gale, "only giving our college yell." "Ye don't say! Is them the kind er doin's ye has where ye goes ter school?" "A yell is a safety-valve, don't you see, Mrs. Svenson?" But Mrs. Svenson left the room mumbling to herself. At a late hour, Grace Gale made a shake down of one blanket, for Esther and herself. Then Esther proposed they use Mrs. Clayton's cushions, and shawls, and robe, to complete the preparations. Edith slept in the bed. After a while, the hostess asked: "Are your bones coming through, Esther?" "No, but I am sorry to put you to such inconvenience. I hope you won't take cold. There is a chill in the air to-night." "No more o' that, honey. I'm just glad to see you. This is the biggest lark I have had since I came to Arizona." The visitors laughed with her. "My! It is eleven o'clock, and I must not keep this sick child awake any longer. Good night, Esther." "Good night, Grace." "Good night, Edith." "Good night." A long pause. "Esther," softly, "are you asleep?" "No." "I am so glad you came. I was almost dead from homesickness." "Were you, Grace? I'm so sorry I didn't know you were so near." On the following morning, the vivacious hostess said: "I can't let you go. I'm so lonely." And to her surprise, tears rolled down her cheeks. "You dear girl!" said Esther, slipping her arm about her. "Get your hat, and go with us on our visit to Dr. Brown. We have enough luncheon to last us a week. Come right along." So off the three drove. It was a perfect May day, the kind found only in Arizona. The air was crystal clear, and the sky a deep blue. All along, there were thickets of sweet briar, and sweet peas; and cactuses, just beginning to bloom, made the way one of continual splendor. The air was exhilarating; so was the sunshine; so was Grace Gale.