"Now, Fred, I have a favor to ask of you; it is something I want so very much. Will you do it for me?"
"What is it?" asked the boy suspiciously.
"The coupé is all ready at the door, and I have brought in your coat and hat. It is such a lovely day, I want you to come for a drive. Will you?"
"No, I won't," said the boy, turning his face away from her, and putting his hand over his eyes.
"Listen, Fred," said Bess firmly; "I know just how you feel about this, but is it quite right to give up to it? You have all your life before you, and you can't lie on this sofa all your days. I have waited until you were stronger, hoping you would feel like starting out; but the longer you are here, the harder it will be! You will have to go sometime; why not to-day?"
"What's the use?" asked the boy sadly. "I sha'n't get any good of going. I don't see why I'm not as well off here."
"It is a beautiful day after the snow, and the air is so fresh it will do you good. You need some kind of a change. We will only go a little way, if you say so. Come, Fred." And she waited.
She saw the boy shut his lips tight together, and two great tears rolled out from under his hand. Then he said slowly,—
"I'll go, Miss Bessie."
"That's my dear, brave boy," said Bess, as she went to get their wraps. She helped Fred into his hat and coat, quickly put on her own, and, drawing his hand through her arm, led him to the door, talking easily all the time to keep up the lad's courage.