But the apathetic, listless look was on her face when she came down in the morning, and she appeared as if passively yielding to a dreaded necessity. I resumed my old tactics, and almost in spite of herself drew her into the genial family life. Mr. Yocomb seconded me with unflagging zeal and commendable tact, while Mrs. Yocomb surpassed us both. Adah seemed a little bewildered, as if there were something in the air which she could not understand. But we made the social sunshine of the house so natural and warm that she could not resist it.
"Reuben," I said, after breakfast, "Miss Warren is not well. A ride after Dapple is the best medicine I ever took. Take Miss Warren out for a swift, short drive; don't let her say no. You have the tact to do the thing in the right way."
She did decline repeatedly, but he so persisted that she at last said:
"There, Reuben, I will go with you."
"I think thee might do that much for a friend, as thee calls me."
When she returned there was a faint color in her cheeks. The rapid drive had done her good, and I told her so as I helped her from the light wagon.
"Yes, Mr. Morton, it has, and I thank you for the drive very much.
Let me suggest that Reuben is much too honest for a conspirator."
"Well, he was a very willing one; and I see by his face, as he drives down to the barn, that you have made him a happy one."
"It doesn't take much to make him happy."
"And would it take such an enormous amount to make you happy?"