"When you know more of him, you will like him better," returned the Squire. "I am not sure that I like him much, personally. But if he cures me--what shall you say then? Come now!"
"I would say then that I should like him for ever," replied Ella, laughing.
"Well, child, he is hoping to do it. And I think he will."
"Is this true, Uncle Gilbert?"
The Squire patted her cheek.
"What a disbelieving little girl it is! Jago is a wonderfully clever man, Ella; there's no doubt of that: he has studied in foreign schools, and he is about to try an entirely new kind of treatment upon me. He thinks it will turn up trumps, and so do I!"
Ella drew a long, relieved breath.
"Oh, I am so glad, dear uncle! I will make him welcome whenever he comes."
"It is a month to-day since I was outside the house," went on the Squire. "Jago tells me that he shall get me out again in three or four days. The man is a man of power; I see it--I feel it. Give him opportunity, and he will make a great name for himself. We will go about again as we used to, Ella; you and I. Why not?"
Ella's heart leaped; she believed the good news. Her uncle had seemed very poorly indeed lately, but she did not suspect he had any incurable malady, or that he was in any danger.