“All dressed up for you, you see,” said the Colonel.
“Heavenly!” said Hugh.
Millicent was valiantly supporting one of his arms, and his other was around the Colonel’s neck.
“I’ll say it’s pretty here,” said Hugh. “Sorry I was a fool.”
“Going to put you in the hammock,” said Colonel Duane, “and let you look the apple blossoms out of countenance awhile.”
This he did, arranging the pillows deftly under Hugh’s head. He went into the house for another, and Millicent stood there looking down at the patient.
Hugh smiled up at her; and there was that dreadful smile again, that Prince Charming smile that made so much defense necessary, and she hadn’t any more. Remorse had drowned it.
“He’s all right now, childie,” said her grandfather comfortingly. “I’ll bet you’re blaming yourself for taking that road. How did you happen to?”
“It’s lots—lots prettier,” said Millicent with a gulp. She sank into a receptive rocking-chair.