Mr. Warrick is out
of town, and Mrs. Warrick had a pressing engagement which couldn't be
denied, but she left messages for you, and I think a note. Yes'm,
just this way." And Timkins, knowing Laine was in the library, led
the stranger past the door and up the steps, over the banisters of
which was heard from Dorothea a cry of delight.
"Oh, my Cousin Claudia! My Cousin Claudia! I'm so glad you've come!
I'm so glad!"
A laugh as fresh as the dawn of perfect morning followed the kisses
next heard, and then the new voice spoke again.
"You precious child! I'm so glad you're glad. It's so nice to have
somebody glad to see you!"
V
THE LOSS OF HIS BEST FRIEND
At the click of Laine's latch-key Moses started from the doze into
which he had fallen and jumped to his feet. "Lord, sir, I sure is
glad you've come," he said, following Laine into the library.
"Gineral's been mighty bad off since you went away, and one time I
thought he was plumb gone. He done had what you might call a
faintin' fit if'n he was a person."
"Where is he?" Laine's voice was quick, and his eyes swept the room.
"What have you done for him?"
"He laid himself on the rug in your room, sir, and I give him a
little brandy and water. Most in general that will hit the spot
and--" But Laine was in his room, and Moses, following, saw him on
his knees by the rug, his right arm under the dog's head, his left on
the heart which was barely beating, and softly he tiptoed out again.
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