red in the matter. They spoke softly, not to disturb her, and in
answer to the doctor's questions Allison told briefly and directly all
that he wished to know. Indeed, he could not but be surprised at the
fulness and the clearness of the account which she gave, of all that the
doctor had done. The minutest details of treatment were given; and
sometimes the reason, and the result, almost as fully and effectively as
they were written down, in a letter which had been sent him by Dr
Thorne. To this letter he referred for a moment, and as he folded it
up, he said:

"The child fell into good hands. Dr Thorne is a skilful doctor and a
wise man. That is well seen in his works and his words."

"Yes," said Allison. "You are right there."

She had spoken very quietly and gravely up to this time. Now the colour
came into her cheeks, and her eyes shone as she went on.

"I could never tell you all his goodness. At first he seemed just to
wish to please his friend, Mrs Esselmont. I doubt whether he had much
hope of helping the child at first. And then he took up the case in
full earnest, for the sake of science, or just for the pleasure of
seeing what wonderful things skill and patience could do for help and
healing. But in a while, it was not just a _case_ with him. He soon
came to love her dearly. And no wonder he loved the gentle little
creature, ay patient and cheerful and making the best of everything,
even when they hurt her, or wearied her, with this thing or that, as
whiles they had to do. Not a child in a thousand would have borne all
she has come through, to have health and strength at last. And not a
doctor in a thousand could have brought her through, I hope, sir, you
will excuse my saying so much," said Allison, pausing suddenly, as she
caught the look with which Doctor Fleming was regarding her.

"Oh! yes. I understand well." And then he opened his letter and read a
line or two.

"`It is a remarkable case altogether. The pleasure I have taken in it
has paid me ten times over for my trouble.'"

"I am sure of it," said Allison, speaking low and eagerly. "I could
never tell you all his kindness. You see it was not just saving a life.
It was a far greater thing to do than that. It would not have been so
very sad a thing for a child like her to have died, to have been spared
the trouble that comes into the life of even the happiest, though many
would have missed her sorely. But she might have liv