Sick and weary as she was, and unable as yet to comprehend the entire
meaning of all she heard, Maddy was conscious of a thrill of pride in
knowing that Guy Remington, from Aikenside, was interested in her, and
had brought his sister to see her. Winding her feeble arms around
Jessie's neck, she kissed the soft, warm cheek, and said, "You'll come
again, I hope."
"Yes, every day, if mamma will let me. I don't mind it a bit, if you
are poor."
"Tut, tut, little tattler!" and Dr. Holbrook, who, unseen by the
children, had all the while been standing near, took Jessie by the
arm. "What makes you think them poor?"
In the closely-shaded room Maddy could see nothing distinctly, but she
heard Jessie's reply: "Because the plastering comes down so low, and
Maddy's pillows are so teenty, not much bigger than my dolly's. But I
love her; don't you doctor?"
Through the darkness the doctor caught the sudden flash of Maddy's
eyes, and something impelled him to lay his cool, broad hand on her
forehead, as he replied, "I love all my patients;" then, taking
Jessie's arm, he led her out to where Guy was waiting for her.