m laughingly, bringing a threaded needle and some bits of cloth for
stuffing and in a few minutes the operation was complete, even to the
application of splints, roughly shaped by Donald's jack-knife.
Throughout the process the physician explained each step to Rose, who
cried as they finished, "Oh, I love to do it. It's lots more fun than
book studying or weaving baskets."

"Well, we might have a real lesson in 'first aid' this morning, if Lou
can stay and be your little patient. Bring out that roll of bandages
again."

What a merry hour they spent, helped by Mike, who insisted in doing his
share by licking the patient at every opportunity. The air was so warm
that Lou's little dress could be taken off, and as she giggled or
screamed with merriment, Donald and Rose treated her for every
conceivable fracture, sprain or injury, the former all the while
explaining in the simplest language at his command the major facts of
human anatomy.

Rose proved to be an astonishingly apt pupil, and after each
demonstration insisted on going through both the procedure and
explanation alone.

Finally, in the course of demonstrating an unusually intricate piece of
bandaging, Donald put his arms about Smiles, the better to guide her
hands, and impulsively drew her close against him. He could not see her
face, but he perceived that a quick flush mantled her neck and
delicately rounded cheek. She moved away hastily, saying in a low voice,
"I reckon you oughtn't do like that, Doctor Mac."

"Why, Smiles!" came his response in a hurt tone.

"I don't mean for to hurt you, and of course I cares for you like I used
to, but I guess it ain't ... isn't ... just right for you to put your
arms around me ... that way now. I'm most grown up now, and ... and ...
you're pledged to ... to some one else." During her speech the color had
flamed brighter and brighter.

The man was both surprised and chagrined. He realized, of course, that
in many respects Rose was indeed, 'most a woman now'--that she was far
more mature in certain ways than city-bred girls of the same age; for,
while they might be infinitely more sophisticated in worldly ways than
she, they are still children, whereas she had already entered into the
problems of life and for several years had not only been in full charge
of a home, but in intimate touch with the issues of life and death in
the little community. Understanding all this, he nevertheless looked
upon her as a child becaus