Page 163 (1/1)

Eleanor took charge of everything She spoke with the doctor and ordered everyone out of the room except Pete I stood outside the door, but Granny Moira ca a bath and some supper You look a mite peaky," she said I allowed myself to be led away, the sounds of Robbie's pain and deliriu

I was indeed filthy and exhausted I had only a change of linen with own for ratefully into the warain We were safe with the McDonald clan Now all would be well

I ate of the stew brought ood appetite and drank a bit of sassafras beer; then, after begging Granny to speak to Eleanor and the doctor, and being told by her that he was feverish but no worse than before, I at last went to bed and fell into dreaht orry; but at last after a week, the doctor declared that Robbie was on the mend and would surely recover co Robbie's hand as he slept, tears of joy and gratitude flowing downthat even if I h for the rest ofwithout him, that I would not coain, even if he never held me in his arms and kissedthat he lived

The weather had cleared and the snow disappeared under a clear blue sky The days warmed unseasonably, and I walked out onto the porch in the afternoons to take the fresh air When the ground had dried sufficiently, I made my way down the path to our cabin one afternoon while Robbie napped

I pushed the door open The interior was dark, and I opened the shutters to let in the light The rooone A faint stain marked the floor boards near the bed I shuddered with the memory of my illness here; I did not wish to feel the desolation and despair of those days again I pulled the shutters closed oncethe door behind o down the steps, Eco stood before me

My heart stopped; I did not breathe I looked into her inscrutable Indian face Her black eyes were like jet, and lights sparkled in their depths For a long moment we stared at each other At last she spoke