Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/92

88 suddenly, without the least warning, old man and young girl began to laugh. The laugh proved their kinship.

Evelyn and Myra were plainly shocked. They were accustomed to their father's going off in sudden chuckling fits at what seemed to them solemn or distressing moments. They had been forced to put up with what they considered his misplaced fun, and now here was this terrible child behaving in the same unaccountable manner. What was there to laugh about?

"That's better!" announced Dr. Price, putting his stethoscope back in his black satchel. "I reckon this little lady will soon be on her feet. Mind now, plenty of fresh air and nourishing food, no more crackers and tea, and I shouldn't advise a railroad journey for some time to come."

"Might I have the room my father used to have?" asked Rebecca. "That is, if I am to stay?"

Philip Bolling and the doctor, who were friends of long standing, went off together, both of them evidently entirely satisfied with the turn affairs had taken at Mill House.

"It will be the salvation of old Bob Taylor if he can keep the child," Dr. Price said to Philip as they sped away in the doctor's little