lf. Her last words seemed to him, as he went back to them, to
convey no doubtful hint of her intentions. He had had no suspicion at
the time; but now he realized how like her impulsive loyalty it would
be to go flying off somewhere, anywhere, to get help for him, to find
some way of putting an end to the wretched situation. He was thoroughly
sorry for her absence, and uneasy about her; yet he felt little alarm,
for he was perfectly convinced of her ability to look out for herself.
Moreover, he was human enough to watch the distraction of the family
with a certain amusement. He was sure that Theodora would turn up soon,
alive and well, and full of entertaining stories of her adventure.
Meanwhile, it was their turn to be anxious.

Then a new anxiety came into the household. Phebe, who had been nervous
and irritable, all the day after Theodora's disappearance, grew feverish
at night. Her father made a short examination, pronounced her to be
suffering from the epidemic of chicken pox which had infested the
schools of late, and ordered her to bed. She obeyed him by going to her
room, escaping by way of the back stairs and taking a long walk in the
twilight with Isabel St. John, with whom lately it had been necessary
for Phebe to hold many secret conferences. The next morning, the rash
had entirely disappeared, and Phebe lay tossing in delirium.

It was into this household that Mrs. Farrington's telegram came, like a
message sent from Heaven.

The doctor tore open the long yellow envelope. His face, already of a
dull grayish color, grew a shade more pale, and he shut his teeth
together, as one prepared for bad tidings. He read the few words; then
he drew his hand across his eyes.

"Thank God!" he said brokenly. "Teddy is safe."

The news went like wildfire through the house. There was a babel of
rejoicing and exclamation; but it was to Billy that the doctor had
turned.

"My dear boy," he said, laying his hand on Billy's shoulder; "our
troubles are over now, if Phebe pulls through."

Billy answered his handclasp.

"We'll forget it ever happened," he said jovially.

"One doesn't forget such things," the doctor said gravely; but Billy
laughed his old glad, clear laugh.

"You've done enough for me, Dr. McAlister, to balance anything else.
Remember what I was when I came here, and look at me now."

The family council which followed was short. Neither Dr. McAlister nor
his wife liked to leave Phebe while she was still