If he had had to
go across there that night, he would have gone step by step, with
caution and a lantern; whereas here was no hesitation, but haste and
assurance.
It was only when she had passed the last bastion, and was almost upon
him, that he made out that it was a girl.
His heart gave a jump. She had been so much in his thought. Yet, even
so, it was almost at a venture that he said--
"Nance?"
And yet, again, he had learned to recognize her footsteps at the farm,
and where the heart is given the senses are subtly acute, and she had
slackened her pace somewhat as she drew near.
"Yes; I am going to the doctor."
"Why--who--?"
"Grannie is ill--in pain. He will give me something to ease her." He had
turned and was walking by her side.
"I am sorry. You will let me go with you?"
"There is no need at all--"
"No need, I know; but all the same it would be a pleasure to me to see
you safely there and back."
She hurried on without speaking. If there had been any light, and he had
dared to peep inside the black sun-bonnet, he might perhaps have found
the hint of a smile overlaying her anxiety on Grannie's account.
Pages:
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150