CHAPTER XVIII[ToC]
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Mrs. Hobbs came back to Dorothy as she had promised, and also, as she had promised, she did open a window.
This open window was Dorothy's hope. If she could only slip out of it, and drop to the little piazza below!
Mrs. Hobbs had brought up a cup of warm milk, and a slice of toast. Dorothy took it thankfully, and felt stronger.
"You feel better now?" asked the woman. "I have to go over the hill for berries—we have a great crop to-day, and Josh had to go away on business." If only Dorothy knew what business! "Do you think you'll be all right if I fetch you something to read?"
"Why, of course. I feel very well to-day, and I shall be glad to sit by the window and read," said Dorothy.
"Here's a book. I got it off last year's Christmas tree, but I ain't had no time to read it." She handed Dorothy a volume bound in red and inscribed "Myrtle and Ivy." There was nothing to show whether it was an agricultural guide, a spiritual retreat, or a love song.
"It's a pretty book," said Dorothy, "and I am sure I shall enjoy it."