was--it was little Prudy."

Dotty looked up at Major Lazelle with a smile.

"She came to see me when I was in a hospital in Indiana. At that time I
was blind."

"Blind, sir?"

"Yes; but I see quite well now. Afterwards I met your sister on the
street in Portland, and she spoke to me. I was very weak and miserable,
for I had just been ill of a fever; but the sight of her bright face
made me feel strong again."

Dotty's fingers closed around Major Lazelle's with a firmer clasp. If he
liked Prudy, then she should certainly like him.

"Shall I tell you of some verses I repeated to myself when I looked at
your dear little sister?"

"Yes, sir, if you please."

"'Why, a stranger, when he sees her
In the street even, smileth stilly,
Just as you would at a lily.

"'And if any painter drew her,
He would paint her unaware,
With the halo round her hair.'