When Joggi got thus far in his story, he began to cry and groan, and would not be pacified.
ANDREW IS BETTER, AND SOMEBODY ELSE, ALSO.
Mrs. Ritter went, as usual, to visit her friend, but no longer remained closeted with Trine, for she could now go freely into his room, talk with him for a little while, and mark his daily improvement. Otto and Pussy also paid several visits, armed with dainties for their favorite. So that Andrew said to the old Trine, with great feeling, "If I were a king, they could not show me more kindness."
The doctor was well pleased with the rapidity of the cure, and said to the colonel, whom he met on the threshold one day,—
"Every thing has worked wonderfully well. Your wife can have her Trine back again; and tell her she was worth her weight in gold. I only wish there were some one to stay with Andrew for a little while; or who could come in, now and then, to help him. The poor fellow must have something to eat, and he has no wife nor child,—in fact, nobody. Do ask Mrs. Ritter if she cannot think of something that will help us."
The colonel carried his message correctly, and his wife went the next day to Andrew's, as usual; and, seating herself by his bedside, said, without circumlocution, "I have something to say to you, Andrew. Are you inclined to listen to me?"
"Certainly, certainly. Every thing you do is right," said Andrew, supporting his head on his hand, and prepared to give her all his attention.
"I am going to take Trine away, now that you are so well," began Mrs. Ritter.
"Oh, dear lady, I beg you to believe me, I have wished to send her home for a long time past. I know how much you must miss her."