"You mean thanks to the Pursuit—and to Dr. Lineaweaver," she corrected. She wanted to add Ted Mackay's name to the list, but she felt it would not be wise.
Her father smiled; it was like Linda to disclaim any credit for herself.
"I phoned Aunt Emily last night," she added, "and she is coming out in a couple of days."
"Well, don't let her make a fuss over me," was his unexpected reply.
Linda squeezed his hand jubilantly; he was talking like himself again!
She did not stay with him long—the nurse thought fifteen minutes was enough—but she was satisfied. Now that she felt sure he was getting better, time no longer hung heavy on her hands. There was so much to do at the ranch—so many activities that she enjoyed. Hiking, fishing, riding horseback, even helping Cates with the kitchen garden or driving the battered Ford into Fort Worth on errands.
Her aunt arrived a few days later, bringing a trunk as usual. Linda laughed at the idea of carrying so many clothes to a ranch—she practically lived in her old riding-breeches and khaki shirt-waists—but Miss Carlton could not be comfortable unless she was perfectly dressed.
"Linda, my darling!" exclaimed the older woman, as they kissed each other. "Think how near I came to losing you!"
"Oh, no, Aunt Emily, you mustn't say that! Even though Lou and I were stranded, there was no danger of our dying. We could have hiked the whole way home, if it had been necessary."