"Bery comfortable now; missee'll be here in a minute. Now please to eat sumfin."
Sarah was by no means loth to comply with the invitation, for the old cook had piled the tray with all sorts of delicacies, that presented a pleasing contrast to the plain fare she had been accustomed to of late.
By the time she had finished her repast Mrs. Danforth returned, looking more composed and relieved.
"The doctor gives me a great deal of encouragement," she said; "my husband is able to speak; by to-morrow he will thank you better than I can."
"Oh, no," stammered Sarah; "I don't want any thanks, please. I didn't think—I—"
She fairly broke down, but Mrs. Danforth patted her hand and said kindly:
"I understand. But at least you must let me love you very much."
Sarah felt her heart flutter and her cheeks glow. The blush and smile on that young face were a more fitting answer than words could have given.
"I have sent an explanation of your absence to Madame Monot," continued Mrs. Danforth, "and she has given you permission to spend the day with me; so you need have no fear of being blamed."
The thought of a whole day's freedom was exceedingly pleasant to Sarah, particularly when it was to be spent in that old house, which had always appeared as interesting to her as a story. It required but a short time for Mrs. Danforth and her to become well acquainted, and the old lady was charmed with her loveliness, and natural, graceful manners.