"Someone ill?" she asked.

"Yes, Fogarty's child. The little fellow may
develop croup before morning. I saw him to-day,
and his pulse was not right, he's a sturdy little
chap with a thick neck, and that kind always suffers
most. If he's worse Fogarty is to send word to my
office," he added, holding out his hand in parting.

"Can I help?" Jane asked, retaining the doctor's
hand in hers as if to get the answer.

"No, I'll watch him closely. Good-night," and
with a smile he bent his head and withdrew.

Martha followed the doctor to the outer door,
and then grumbling her satisfaction went back to
the pantry to direct the servants in arranging upon
the small table in the supper-room the simple refreshments
which always characterized the Cobdens' entertainments.

Soon the girls and their beaux came trooping in
to join their elders on the way to the supper-room.
Lucy hung back until the last (she had not liked the
doctor's interference), Jane's long red cloak draped
from her shoulders, the hood hanging down her back,
her cheeks radiant, her beautiful blond hair ruffled
with the night wind, an aureole of gold framing her
face. Bart followed close behind, a pleased, almost