at the first note. What will he do if I can really sing it? And I'll
sing Beulah Land for Cindy, and I'm sitting on the stile, Mary, for
your mother, perhaps, Oh, the kingdom of my heart for Buck, and
Drink to me only, for Squire Tutt, hymns for the Deacon--and a paean
for you, if I have to order one from New York."

"Do you know," said the Doctor after a long pause in which he lit
his cigar and again began to puff rings out into the moonlight, "I'd
like to say that you are--are a--perfect wonder."

"You may," she answered with a laugh. Then suddenly she stretched
out her hand to him and, as he took it into his, she asked very
quietly with just the one word, "When?"

"In a few weeks, I hope," he answered her just as quietly,
comprehending her instantly.

"I'll be good--and wait," she answered him in a Hone of voice that
would have done credit to little Bettie Pratt. "Let's hurry and get
that bucket of water; don't you hear them singing the doxology?"




CHAPTER VI

THE PROVIDENCE TAG-GANG


"Miss Elinory, do you think getting married and such is ketching,