"She seems to have got her mind set on seeing you, somehow or other. I don't know what for. There was no pacifying of her, till I said I'd write." Doris would have liked to put one or two questions as to Winnie's state, but no time was allowed. Mrs. Morris walked her into the sitting-room, and left her there, alone with the younger girl. "Don't try to get up," Doris said kindly, reaching the sofa. "I am so sorry that you have been worse." Winnie seemed at first voiceless. Her pale face flushed, and the blue eyes were very troubled. Doris had instantly a strong impression that Winnie knew something about herself and Dick. She thought of her father's injunction, and resolved to keep clear of that subject. "Yes; I'd a lot of pain; and then—I suppose I got a chill at Jane's wedding." "Your sister! Is she married?" "Last week. Sam Blunt is American; and his father has got a big store out in Chicago. He's a friend of the Parkinses—you know—the drapers— and since he's been in England, he was always cycling over there, and seeing Jane. And he took a fancy to her. It all came in such a hurry; for he'd got to go back, and Jane wouldn't hear of putting off, as uncle wanted. She said she hated Wyldd's Farm, and everything to do with it; and she didn't care if she never set foot in the country again. Sam means to be a rich man some day; and that's what Jane likes." Doris was at a loss whether to congratulate or condole. Jane must have been a household trial; and certainly Winnie showed no distress. "I hope he will be a good husband to her. And you are to be in the hospital—to have something done." "The doctor says, if I don't I cannot live long. And he says I ought. He hopes I shall be ever so much stronger afterwards—if I get through." "You mustn't say 'if.' You must say 'when.'" This brought a smile. "I am sure you will get through." "Perhaps—" came absently. Winnie's eyes kept searching her face, and the gentle lips moved nervously, as if she wanted to say something, and had not courage. "You must have thought it unkind of me, Winnie, never to come again to see you," Doris said hastily, anxious to stave off remarks. "But— Wyldd's Farm is a long way off. I was abroad a good while; and since I came back—somehow it has not been possible." "You've been too busy." "Or perhaps too lazy. Anyhow, here I am at last—as soon as I knew that you really wanted me. How soon do you go?" "On Friday." "The day after to-morrow. And—you don't mind! You are not frightened?" Winnie's smile was an embodiment of serenity. "Why should I be frightened? No—I don't think I am. It will be all right—either way. And I'm trying to want to get over it." "But of course you want that. Of course you want to be strong—able to work and do things." "I suppose so—of course! But—" "Just think how different your whole life will be, if only you can feel quite well, like other people."