I’ve been so excited since the first day he came that I’ve had little sense.  But my natural little is coming back, and I’m trying not to talk too much.  Of course, I had to say a good deal, because everybody had to know how it happened that Doctor Alden came back to Yorkburg so suddenly after thirteen years’ being away.  And why he hadn’t been before, and what he came for and when he was going away, and if he were going to take me with him.

And then everybody remembered how he and Miss Katherine used to be sweethearts when they were young.  I tell you, the talking that’s been going on in Yorkburg in the last few days would fill a barrel of books.  By the end of the week a whole lot more will be known about Uncle Parke than he knows about himself.  If Yorkburg had a coat of arms it ought to be a question-mark.

They’ve had time to talk over everything that ever happened since Adam and Eve left Paradise, in the long walks they take, and in the evenings when he calls, which he does as regular as night comes.  And now I’m waiting for the news.  I’ll have to be so surprised.  And I guess I will be.  Love does very surprising things.

Miss Katherine knew where Uncle Parke was all the time.  She knew who I was, too; that is, she found out after she nursed me at the hospital.  But what that fuss was about I don’t know.  Nothing much, I reckon; but the more you love a person the madder you can get with them.  And from foolishness they’ve wasted years and years of together-ness.

But it’s all explained now, and I don’t think there’s going to be any more nonsense.  They are going to be married as sure as my name isn’t in a bank-book; and if signs are anything, it’s going to be soon.

Miss Bray is better, though she looks pretty bad still.  She’s been awfully excited about Uncle Parke’s coming, and she says she hears he’s very distinguished and real rich.  Isn’t it strange how quick some people hear about riches?  I don’t know anything of his having any.  He hasn’t mentioned money to me; but oh, I feel so safe with him!  He’s so strong and quiet and easy in his manners, and he’s been so splendid and beautiful to me.  He don’t use many words.  Just makes you understand.

I wonder what a man says to a lady when he wants her to marry him?  I know Dr. Parke Alden isn’t the kind to get down on his knees.  If he were, Miss Katherine would certainly tell him to get up and say what he had to say standing, or sitting, if it took long.  But I’ll never know what he said.  They’re not the kind to tell; but they can’t hide Love.  It’s just like the sun.  It can’t help shining.

* * * * *

Land of Nippon, I’m excited!  I believe he’s said it!

The reason I think so is, I saw them late yesterday evening coming in from a long walk down the Calverton road, where there’s a beautiful place for courters.  When they got to the gate they stopped and talked and talked.  Then he walked to the door with her, still holding his hat in his hand, and though it was dark I could feel something different.  I was so nervous you would have thought I was the one.