When Ann came to herself a little, her first question was, if the doctor were ready to go.

“He’s gone,” said Mrs. Lovejoy, cheeringly.

Ann felt disappointed.  She had thought she was going back with him.  But that would have been impossible.  She could not have stood the journey for the second time that night, even on horseback behind the doctor, as she had planned.

She drank a second bowlful of herb tea, and went to bed with a hot stone at her feet, and a great many blankets and coverlids over her.

The next morning, Captain Lovejoy carried her home.  He had a rough wood sled, and she rode on that, on an old quilt; it was easier than horseback, and she was pretty lame and tired.

Mrs. Dorcas saw her coming and opened the door.  When Ann came up on the stoop, she just threw her arms around her and kissed her.

“You needn’t make the candle-wicks,” said she.  “It’s no matter about them at all.  Thirsey’s better this morning, an’ I guess you saved her life.”

Grandma was fairly bursting with pride and delight in her little gal’s brave feat, now that she saw her safe.  She untied the gold beads on her neck, and fastened them around Ann’s.  “There,” said she, “you may wear them to school to-day, if you’ll be keerful.”

That day, with the gold beads by way of celebration, began a new era in Ann’s life.  There was no more secret animosity between her and Mrs. Dorcas.  The doctor had come that night in the very nick of time.  Thirsey was almost dying.  Her mother was fully convinced that Ann had saved her life, and she never forgot it.  She was a woman of strong feelings, who never did things by halves, and she not only treated Ann with kindness, but she seemed to smother her grudge against Grandma for robbing her of the southwest fire-room.

THE ADOPTED DAUGHTER

The Inventory of the Estate of Samuel Wales Late of Braintree, Taken by the Subscribers, March the 14th, 1761.

His Purse in Cash L11-15-01 His apparrel 10-11-00 His watch 2-13-04 The Best Bed with two Coverlids, three sheets,
  two underbeds, two Bolsters, two pillows,
  Bedstead rope L6
One mill Blanket, two Phlanel sheets, 12 toe Sheets L3-4-8 Eleven Towels & table Cloth 0-15-0 a pair of mittens & pr. of Gloves 0-2-0 a neck Handkerchief & neckband 0-4-0 an ovel Tabel—­Two other Tabels 1-12-0 A Chist with Draws 2-8-0 Another Low Chist with Draws & three other Chists 1-10-0 Six best Chears and a great chear 1-6-0 a warming pan—­Two Brass Kittles 1-5-0 a Small Looking Glass, five Pewter Basons 0-7-8 fifteen other Chears