"'Cause mother said that as soon as thee really waked up I must call her."
"Oh, wait a moment, and tell me all the news."
"Mother said I mustn't tell thee anything but to get well."
"I'm never going to get well."
"What!" exclaimed the boy, in consternation.
"Your mother and Miss Adah take such good care of me that I am going to play sick the rest of my life," I explained, laughing. "How is Dapple?"
"Oh, thee's only joking, then. Well, all I ask of thee is to get well just enough to drive Dapple around with me. He'll put life into thee—never fear. When I get hold of the reins he fairly makes my hands tingle. But there, mother said I shouldn't let thee talk, but tell her right away," and he started for the door.
"How is Miss Warren? Is she never coming to see me?"
"Emily Warren's been dreadfully anxious about thee. I never saw any one change so. But to-day she has been like a lark. She went with me to the village this morning, and she had almost as much spirit and life as Dapple. She's a jolly good girl. I like her. We're all so glad thee's getting well we don't know what to do. Father said he felt like jumping over a five-bar fence. Only Adah acts kind of queer and glum."
"I think I hear talking," said Mrs. Yocomb, entering.