now?"

"Because," said Barbara, clasping her hands, and regarding the doctor
with shining eyes, "now Marjorie can have her wish--the thing she wants
more than anything else in the world, and that she and I have been
praying for all winter."

And in a few rapid words she told the story of Miss Graham's accident,
and of Marjorie's hopes.

Dr. Randolph said nothing, but he looked much interested, and when
Beverly returned from his walk, he left the brother and sister together,
and went in quest of Mrs. Graham, with whom he had a long talk. Then
Miss Jessie was taken into their confidence, and all through the long
afternoon Barbara and Beverly waited in eager anxiety for their uncle's
return.

Mr. Graham was obliged to ride some distance to another ranch that
afternoon, in order to see a man on business, and it was late in the
evening when he returned, and found his old classmate waiting for him on
the porch.

"Well, and how are things going?" he inquired cheerfully, when Jim had
taken away his horse. "I trust our little friend is better."

"She is much better, thank you," Dr. Randolph answered. "She is fast
recovering from the shock, and I hope we may be able to start for home
by the day after to-morrow. Her mother must be told as soon as possible,
and Barbara herself can scarcely wait to get home. I am going to make
arrangements to leave on the first available train for the East
and--Graham, I want to ask you a favor."

"I am sure I shall be glad to do anything in my power," Mr. Graham said,
smiling; "what is it?"

"I want you to let me take your wife and sister back to New York with
us."

"My wife and sister!" repeated Mr. Graham in amazement. "Why, my dear
boy, my poor sister hasn't left her wheeled-chair for eight years. I am
sure that she could not stand such a journey."

"I think she could," said the doctor, quietly. "I should take a
compartment for her, of course, and she could lie down during the whole
trip. As for the drive to the station, I think that could also be
managed without much discomfort. She tells me she often takes fairly
long drives with you and your wife. Barbara is still very much shaken,
and will need a woman's care on the journey. Your wife can be of great
assistance to us, and as to your sister--well, the fact is, Graham, I
made an examination this afternoon, with her and Mrs. Graham's consent,
and I see no reason why an operation cannot be performed. I can't
promise an absolute cur