"I think, sisters," murmured Miss Melissa, "that—that—it would be as well—the doctor right here—"
"I agree with you," said Miss Thomasine; "she most certainly is not well, and the doctor had better see her. Teddy dear, come up stairs. Lean on me if you feel at all giddy."
"I'm not a bit giddy," cried Theodora, springing to her feet, "and I don't know what you are talking about. Why must I see the doctor? I am not sick, and oh, I do want to tell you about Andy Morse!"
Again the sisters looked significantly at one another. Then Miss Thomasine took one of Teddy's hands and Miss Dorcas possessed herself of the other, while Miss Melissa walked in front with two of the candles.
"We must get her to bed as quietly as possible," said Miss Thomasine. "Oh, what a night this has been!"
"I was sure that ride would be too much for her," said Miss Dorcas.
"Is it—do you think it can be? I have heard of it—brain fever?" whispered Miss Melissa, turning in affright.
"What do you all mean?" exclaimed Teddy, wrenching her hands away from her aunts. "I tell you I'm not a bit sick, and I do wish you would let me go up stairs alone! And I don't see why you won't believe what I say. Are you never going to believe me again? I wish you would let me tell you about Andy Morse. He hid behind the big sofa, and I heard him there, and asked him to come out. Do you know, that poor boy hadn't had a thing to eat for two days! Just think of it! And he was so desperate he came here to steal something. I don't wonder—do you?"
The sisters had again looked at one another meaningly, and during this speech Miss Dorcas had left the room. Presently she returned with the doctor.
"What's all this?" he asked. "Teddy ill, after saving her aunt's life, as she did? She doesn't look very ill."