"Yes, Joel may go to ride," said Dr. Fisher, when Ben had gotten over his surprise a bit; "that is, if Polly will give up her seat,--for I'd invited her," and he looked over at her.
"Yes, I will, indeed," said Polly, with a happy little laugh. "Oh, Joe, you'll have such a good time!" kissing his cheek, into which the color was slowly coming back.
"I know it," said Joel, wheeling over to give a roll out of bed.
"Take it easy," said Dr. Fisher, "there's plenty of time. Feel all right, my boy?"
"No, I don't," said Joel, standing on the floor. Mrs. Pepper's cheek paled, and an anxious look came into her black eyes at once.
"Whereabouts do you feel badly?" asked the doctor, in surprise.
"Here," said Joel, laying his hand on his jacket-front. "I'm so hungry."
"Do give him something to eat, Mrs. Pepper," said Dr. Fisher, laughing heartily, "then we'll be off. And Polly, you and I will have a ride next time," he said, darting off before Mrs. Pepper had a chance to pay him, or even to thank him.
"But that I never could do enough," she said, wiping her eyes on her apron, "but the Lord will, I know."
Joel was already in the gig, peeping out at them, and teasing Dr. Fisher to hurry. They had driven off, and been gone some time, when suddenly Polly started in dismay as she was setting the table for supper.