eatment that was slowly lessening her
lameness and pain. David had so far recovered as to have been
appointed office boy for Dr. Dudley, a position which was,
according to David's version, "all pay and no work." But
somebody was needed to answer telephone calls during the
physician's absence, as well as to note any messages that might
arrive for him, and David's strength was now sufficient for the
service. So the arrangement was proving a very happy one, and was
especially enjoyed by Polly and Leonora.

As their acquaintances drifted away from the hospital, and
strangers drifted in, these three became close friends. The girls
would join David in the office, generally bringing their dolls
with them, when David would be the one to tell or read a story,
for his aunt kept him well supplied with interesting tales.
Sometimes, especially in the early twilight hour, Dr. Dudley was
story-teller; or more often they would talk over together the
happenings of the day, the children unconsciously gathering from
the physician's rich store bits of wisdom that would abide with
them as long as memory lived.

They were watching for him, one night, when the telephone bell
rang.

David sprang to answer the call, and the girls heard him say:--

"No, sir, he is not in.--He went out about an hour ago.--We
expect him every minute now.--Yes, sir, I will."

The boy came back looking a little excited.

"It was Uncle David!" he told them. "He says he is sick, and he
wants Dr. Dudley to come over."

"Oh, dear," scowled Polly; "I hope ther is n't anything bad the
matter with him!"

"It is the first time I ever spoke to him," said David slowly.
"But, of course, he did n't know it was I that was talking."

"There's the Doctor!" cried Leonora, as a runabout stopped at
the entrance.

"Shall I go tell him?" and Polly started. But the lad was already
on his way.

"Let me, please!" he answered. "I want to do that much for Uncle
David."

"I thought it might tire him to go fast," murmured Polly,
apologetically, as she joined Leonora at the window.

"He'll get all out of breath!" worried Leonora. "Just see him
run!"

"He is n't thinking of himself," Polly responded. "It's just
like him! But his heart is pretty strong now, I guess. Though
Doctor told him to be careful."

David returned a little pale, and Polly made him lie down on the
couch.

He did not seem inclined to talk, and the girls waited at the
window, conversing in low to