“So how much must I get, Juanita? can you tell me? how much for two little frocks, and two little petticoats, and one suit of boy’s clothes?”

“My love knows, it must be accordin’ to the stuff.  If the stuff narrow, she want more; if wide, she want less.”

“Then you cannot tell me;—­and Mrs. Sandford could not either.  And I cannot tell.  What shall I do?”

“Mrs. Sandford maybe get the things for Miss Daisy.”

“No, she must not.  Dr. Sandford wants me to do it.  I must get them, Juanita.”

“Hm!  Suppose I put up my irons and walk round to the village—­and Miss Daisy go in her shay.”

“To the store!” cried Daisy.  “O yes, Juanita; get ready, and I will take you with me.  Then you can tell me all about it.”

Juanita demurred and objected to this proposal, but Daisy was greatly pleased and would have it so.  Mrs. Benoit put up her ironing work, and arrayed her head in a new clean bright handkerchief, wonderfully put on; she was ready then; and Sam grinned to see the tall fine figure of the old coloured woman sitting in the pony chaise by the side of his little mistress.  It was as good to Daisy as anything could have been that day.  They drove into Crum Elbow, went to the store; and there she and Juanita had a pretty large morning’s business in choosing the various goods Dr. Sandford had desired Daisy to get.  Daisy got excited over it.  Calico for a little frock, and muslin for the underclothes, and stuff for the boy’s jacket and trowsers and shirt; Juanita knew the quantities necessary, and Daisy had only the trouble of choice and judgment of various kinds.  But that was a great responsibility, seeing she was doing it for Dr. Sandford.  It took a good while.  Then Daisy drove Juanita home again, gave her another kiss, and with her carriage load of dry goods and a tired and hungry little body went home to Mrs. Sandford’s.

It was then pretty late in the day, and the doctor not come in.  Daisy dressed, and went down to the drawing-room to wait for him.  Not long this time.  There was a certain air of calm strength about Dr. Sandford’s face and cool blue eye, that Daisy loved; she felt she loved it now, as she saw him come in; she trusted him.  He spoke first to his brother and sister; then came where Daisy was standing, sat down on the sofa and placed her beside him.

“I have no bad news for you, Daisy,” he said kindly,—­“and not the good news neither that you are looking for.  Your father is no worse, though it will require several days to let him recover from the immediate effects of his accident.  The quieter he is meanwhile the better.”

“And mamma—­she said—?”

“She said—­yes, you have guessed it; she would like to have you remain here for a few days longer.  She thinks you are better under my care than under hers.”

“Under my care, I think it is,” said Mrs. Sandford.

“Can you bear it, Daisy?”