then, after a few words, remembering the
occasion as being one in honor of Lucy, he walked
slowly toward the young girl.

"Why, Lucy, it's so delightful to get you back!"
he cried, shaking her hand warmly. "And you are
looking so well. Poor Martha has been on pins and
needles waiting for you. I told her just how it would
be--that she'd lose her little girl--and she has,"
and he glanced at her admiringly. "What did she
say when she saw you?"

"Oh, the silly old thing began to cry, just as they
all do. Have you seen her dog?"

The answer jarred on the doctor, although he excused
her in his heart on the ground of her youth and
her desire to appear at ease in talking to him.

"Do you mean Meg?" he asked, scanning her face
the closer.

"I don't know what she calls him--but he's the
ugliest little beast I ever saw."

"Yes--but so amusing. I never get tired of
watching him. What is left of him is the funniest
thing alive. He's better than he looks, though. He
and Rex have great times together."