“Consumption?”
Mr. Willing bowed his head in assent.
CHAPTER VI.—A PLOT DISCOVERED.
At this moment Mabel heard Shirley calling. Accompanied by Mr. Willing, she made her way around the house, where her friend stood awaiting her.
“Let’s go and look at the horses, Mabel,” said Shirley.
In spite of a certain sadness caused by her father’s condition, Mabel agreed, and the two girls made their way to the large stable a quarter of a mile from the farmhouse.
Shirley flung open the door and dashed inside.
“We’ll call on Gabriel first,” she called back over her shoulder.
Mabel followed her.
Straight to the stall of the young animal of splendid pedigree Shirley led the way. It had been months since she had last seen this horse, but the noble creature recognized her footsteps and whinnied in delight at her approach.