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I stared at Eco, ain loud in , and went down the steps I saw her pick up so and hitch it onto her back; it was her child in his cradleboard He looked up atdown his dark eyes ly; I could not move my eyes away Eco walked away from the cabin and the bairn and I stared at each other until distance broke our gaze

Old Creek Woman spoke "Robbie-Jessie has heard the story now"

I nodded wordlessly, joy and relief flooding me I turned and ran down the steps and hurried up the path to the house If only they were right, and Robbie did love me Had he not called for ht Surely now, Robbie would be ready to be a husband tothe door quietly, and dropped my cloak onto a chair The door to the sickroom was open; I went softly inside Robbie lay very still; I thought he was asleep, but as I approached he turned toward h some color had returned to his face Pete had shaved him; the hollows in his cheeks were deep shadows, and his eyes were still sunken I stepped to the bedside

"How are you today, Robbie,his bony hand

"I feel a great deal better," he said, and smiled at me, but the smile did not reach his eyes

My heart gave a lurch Only in the past two or three days had he been able to communicate with us; I had not spoken to hih I sat with his while he napped, and spooned broth and tea into him when he roused I sank onto a chair close to the bed and kissed his hand, my throat choked with emotion

"Robbie-"

"How is the weather today?" he said

I sed "Quite war," he said "Youto?"

"Of course you o, lass," he said, and looked away from me, out of the

"Surely Kevin wishes to return as well I shall speak with him If you make haste, perhaps you can arrive there before the next rain"