nd his own little cabin, where
Cassandra needed him.

"Never mind Doctor Thryng or anything surprising about his being absent;
just come if you possibly can and hear what Cassandra has to say about
it before you judge him. She is quaint and queer and wholly lovely. If
you can bring little Hoyle with you, do so, for I fear his mother is
grieving to see him. She wrote me a most peculiar and pathetic letter,
saying her daughter was so silent about her affairs that she herself
'war nigh about dead fer worryin', and would I please come and see could
I make Cass talk a leetle,' so you may be sure there is need of you. The
winter is glorious in the mountains this year. Your appearance will set
everything right at the Fall Place, and Cassandra will be safe."

Old Time, the unfailing, who always marches apace, bringing with him
changes for good or evil, brought the dear old doctor back to the Fall
Place--brought the small Adam Hoyle, with his queer little twisted neck
and hunched back, drawn by harness and plaster into a much improved
condition, although not straight yet--brought many letters from David
filled with postponements and regrets therefor--and brought also a
little son for Cassandra to hold to her bosom and dream and pray over.

And the dreams and the prayers travelled far--far, to the sunny-haired
Englishman wrapped in the intricate affairs of a great estate. How much
money would accrue? How should it be spent? What improvements should be
made in their country home? When Laura's coming out should be? How many
of her old companions might she retain? How many might she call friends?
How many were to be hereafter thrust out as quite impossible? Should
she be allowed a kennel, or should her sporting tendencies be
discouraged?

All these things were forced upon David's consideration; how then could
he return to his young wife, especially when he could not yet bring
himself to say to his world that he had a young wife. Impatient he might
be, nervous, and even irritable, but still what could he do? While there
in the faraway hills sat Cassandra, loving him, brooding over him with
serene and peaceful longing, holding his baby to her white breast,
holding his baby's hand to her lips, full of courage, strong in her
faith, patient in spirit, until as days and weeks passed she grew well
and strong in body.

Being sadly in need of rest, the old doctor lingered on in the mountains
until spring was well advanced. Slight of b