e, then she stopped crying, and said
after a reflective pause:

"Nothing--I guess."

"Nothing," he repeated, with a breath of relief, and then began to
laugh.

"Won't you come in, Dr. Barnett?" said the discomfited weeper from
behind her handkerchief, and with an attempt at dignity, "Excuse me for
not rising; I'm--I'm lame."

The little hitch in her voice betrayed her grief; but, dear me! he was
all interest now. He drew a chair close to the lounge, professional
habit, no doubt, and ventured to touch one of the hands that supported
the doleful looking handkerchief.

"Won't you let me see you? When did this happen?"

"Saturday. No, you can't see me; I've been crying an hour."

"Is the pain so great?"

Oh, no wonder this young M.D. was so popular if his voice was always
thus tender and anxious in making inquiries.

"Pain! no, but," with a little hysterical sob, "I can't go to the
picnic!"

Now you needn't smile at this frank explanation, for he did not. Bless
you! no; he looked as if he had three minds to cry too, and if Mrs.
Dering hadn't entered at that moment, there's no telling what he might
have said by way of sympathy. As it was, he returned her cordial
greeting, and began to express his regret in polite terms, but with much
warmth of feeling that could not be concealed.

"Is it quite impossible, do you think? Lottie will be so disappointed;"
he said, regardless of the fact that he was making Lottie do double
duty, in the way of disappointment; but Bea took the remark in all good
faith, and thought it was very sweet of Lottie to care whether she went
or not.

"I don't know," answered Mrs. Dering, thoughtfully. "It was only a
little twist, and she stood on it this morning, didn't you, Bea?"

"Yes, mama," said Bea, coming out from behind her handkerchief in eager
interest. "I did for several minutes, and it didn't hurt hardly any."

"Suppose you try again," said Dr. Barnett with unprofessional haste to
test an injured member. "Take my arm, and let's see if you cannot walk a
step or two."

Bea did so, with a shy blush, and stood up; then after a moment, took a
few steps, with the color coming and going in her cheeks, for more
reasons than one; and, though it was very pleasant to feel her clinging
to his arm in that helpless way, Dr. Barnett made her sit down; but
passed his opinion that she could go to the picnic.

"Do you really think so?" said Bea, with delighted eagerness.

"I do, if you will