“Don’t be afraid. We won’t let Benedicta or anybody else stand in the way of your sister’s walking, if it is possible to effect a cure.” The child drew a long breath. “You are good,” she said, “awful good; but you don’t know grandfather. He hates--oh, I mustn’t talk about it! What would he say if he knew! I must go now--they will think I’m lost. Bessie is waiting for me somewhere--I forgot all about them!” “And you will bring Rosalind to see me?” “Yes, I want you to see her, she is so beautiful!” “If you will let me know when you can come, I will meet you at the foot of the mountain and bring you up in my car.” “But she drives it, don’t she? I saw her that day when she ran into that other car down in Overlook.” “I shall drive the car myself when I come to meet you.” “Oh, then I’d like it!” the child said eagerly. “And I can bring her to-morrow, if it doesn’t rain.” “And your name?” asked Polly. “I ought to know it, in case something should occur so that I couldn’t come.” “It isn’t a pretty one like Rosalind. I was named for father and mother both. I hate it! It is Oscarlucy--Ferne.” “That isn’t a bad name,” smiled Polly reassuringly. “Ferne is lovely. I will write it down as soon as I get home.” Polly and Lilith conjectured as to the possible connection between Benedicta and the family of Oscarlucy Ferne; but they came to no definite conclusion. At half-past five o’clock the sandwiches and cakes were served and eaten; but Benedicta did not appear until going-home time. That she had returned earlier as far as the big birch-tree was affirmed by Grissel, whose sharp eyes had spied her peering between the branches. The picnic seemed to have missed something through the housekeeper’s absence. CHAPTER XXIV ROSALIND FERNE Benedicta’s tardy presence was briefly apologized for. “Work’s more necessary ’n party suppers,” she said succinctly. “I saw yer peekin’ through the trees!” piped up Grissel. A pink flush on Benedicta’s cheek was the only response, and Polly quickly filled up the break with a laughable little nothing which turned the children’s attention away from the housekeeper. Benedicta did more than her share of wheeling the children home, as if to make amends for her afternoon’s neglect. When the patients were abed she stole out to the veranda where Polly was sitting. “Come for a little walk!” she said. “Don’t you want to?” They went silently down the steps arm in arm. “I guess you thought it was queer,” she began, “leavin’ you so sudden; but that kid was there! How’d she come to be up here on the hill, anyhow?” Polly explained. “Oh, that’s it! She lives clear the other side o’ the town, and I couldn’t understand.” For a moment the only sound was that of a lone insect. Then Polly said, “Nice little girl she seems to be.” “M-h’m,” assented Benedicta. “Do you know anything about this sister that has never walked?” questioned Polly. “Not much more ’n you do.” “Oscarlucy seems willing to do anything for Rosalind.”