“You should have seen him drag those horses to a stop, doctor! Mrs. Parker wished me to come and tell you about it. She thought I might find you here, and——”
Elsie stopped. For the first time, she perceived that the man was not alone. Finding he was discovered, Bart stepped out into view, lifting his hat.
“Bart Hodge?” she cried, astonished. “Here?”
“Yes, Miss Bellwood,” he said, in a tone of voice that sounded strained and unnatural. “It is a surprise to us both, I fancy.”
“So you are acquainted?” exclaimed the man, looking from one to the other. “Well, well!”
Elsie started forward, her hands outstretched.
“I am so glad to see you, Bart!” she cried, her cheeks turning crimson.
“Are you?” he exclaimed, feeling his heart give a great throb of joy.
“Why, of course I am!” she asserted, as he met her and clasped her hands.