The beautiful eyes of Precious grew wild and startled.
"Oh, what strange dreams!" she cried tremblingly. "I wish you had not listened, Norah; they were only dreams!"
"Yes, I know, my pet, but they show that you are not quite strong yet, and it is better not to go about into society until you are well again. But I think you ought to have some young girls to visit you, and I will ask your brother to bring that little star-eyed village girl to see you."
"She is here now!" cried Earle's voice, with a ripple of laughter in its low music.
They started and looked, and there he stood with a dripping figure by his side, a girl in white flannel, bareheaded, with wet brown curls all over her little head, and starry hazel eyes alight with laughter.
"Miss Conway has had an accident—fallen into the river, Precious, and I brought her up here for some of your dry clothes, also to make your acquaintance, as I knew you were lonely," explained Earle easily.
"You poor darling!" cried Precious, and her heart went out to the little beauty in a swift rush of tenderness. She took Ladybird's hand. "Come, let us go upstairs. My clothes will fit you, I know!"
Earle detained them a moment.
"I am going down to the telegraph office a moment. Please stay here till I come back, Miss Conway. I will take you home in due time."