Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/52

38 "And how is Miss Jessie?"

"Doing finely, so the doctor says. She is up and around, with her arm in a sling. It was you did a fine act to save her from being burnt," added the coachman.

When they drove up the whole Wadsworth family came out on the veranda to greet them. The manufacturer himself assisted Caspar Potts to alight. Jessie lost no time in approaching Dave and taking his hand.

"I want to thank you," she began, and then her voice choked a little.

"Don't you do it, please," said the boy. "It's all right. I'm glad I had the chance."

"You were so brave!"

"Oh, I didn't do so much! Anybody could have done it."

"I shall never forget it, Dave." And Jessie gave his hand a tight squeeze that made him blush. Somehow, Dave felt that that was the happiest moment he had ever yet experienced.

They entered the elegant parlor, and it was not long before dinner was announced. The old professor sat on Mr. Wadsworth's right, and Dave on his left. Next to Dave sat Jessie, while the lady of the mansion occupied the other end of the board. As Jessie could use but one hand, her mother prepared most of the food for her.

At first the meal progressed stiffly, but both Mr.