"Oh, yes." The girl was silent for a moment, and then she asked, "did you go in the cabin?"
"I did, Beatrice. I went after you, but do not be alarmed. Dr. Black made me submit to vaccination. I have been exposed many times, and have no fear of the disease."
"You are sure, father?"
"Yes, my daughter."
Once more there was silence, but presently the girl's attention was attracted by his labored breathing.
"You must not carry me. I am too heavy," she cried slipping from his arms to the ground.
"Are you strong enough to walk, child? It is only the heat that makes me pant; not your weight."
"I am quite strong enough," answered Bee, but he still kept his arm about her, and so they proceeded homeward. Once more Beatrice broke the stillness, the darkness giving her courage.
"You were good to come to me tonight, father. I haven't deserved it. Oh! you don't know how bad I have felt about losing that butterfly."
"Never mind about it, Beatrice. I think we each have something to forgive the other. I have my confession to make also. I have judged you wrongly in many ways. There are many things that are becoming plain to me. I can only excuse myself by saying that I was more ignorant of the nature of a girl than even I knew. Can you forgive me?"