minute has come," and he glanced at his watch. 

 "Going so soon? Why, I wanted you to stay for supper. It will be ready in a few minutes." Her voice had lost its buoyancy now. She never wanted him to go. She never let him know it, but it pained her all the same. 

 "I would like to, but I cannot." All his heart was in his eyes as he spoke. 

 "Someone ill?" she asked. 

 "Yes, Fogarty's child. The little fellow may develop croup before morning. I saw him to-day, and his pulse was not right, he's a sturdy little chap with a thick neck, and that kind always suffers most. If he's worse Fogarty is to send word to my office," he added, holding out his hand in parting. 

 "Can I help?" Jane asked, retaining the doctor's hand in hers as if to get the answer. 

 "No, I'll watch him closely. Good-night," and with a smile he bent his head and withdrew. 

 Martha followed the doctor to the outer door, and then grumbling her satisfaction went back to the pantry to direct the servants in arranging upon the small table in the supper-room the simple refreshments which always characterized the Cobdens' entertainments. 

 Soon the girls and their beaux came trooping in to join their elders on the way to the supper-room. Lucy hung back until the last (she had not liked the doctor's interference), Jane's long red cloak draped from her shoulders, the hood hanging down her back, her cheeks radiant, her beautiful blond hair ruffled with the night wind, an aureole of gold framing her face. Bart followed close behind, a pleased, almost triumphant smile playing about his lips. 

 He had carried his point. The cluster of blossoms which had rested upon Lucy's bosom was pinned to the lapel of his coat. 

 

 

 CHAPTER III 

 LITTLE TOD FOGARTY 

 Prev. P 24/227 next