he concluded.

"And are you not?" the minister asked in surprise. "Miss
Barner told me that you had been very kind--and I thought--"
There was a flush on the minister's face, and he hesitated.

"Oh, Miss Barner and I are the best of friends," the
doctor said. "I say, Grantley, hasn't that little girl
had one lonely life, and isn't she the brave little soul!"

The minister was silent, all but his eyes.

The doctor went on:

"'Who hath sorrow, who hath woe, who hath redness of
eyes?' Solomon, wasn't it, who said it was 'they who
tarry long at the wine'? I think he should have added
'those who wait at home.' Don't you think she is a
remarkably beautiful girl, Grantley?" he asked abruptly.

"I do, indeed," the minister answered, giving his friend
a searching glance. "But how about the doctor, why will
he not speak to you?" He was glad of a chance to change
the subject.

"I suppose the old man's pride is hurt every time he sees
me. He evidently thinks he is all the medical aid they
need around here. But I do wish he would come with me to
see this young Cowan; it's the most puzzling case I've
ever met. There are times, Grantley, when I think I should