He spoke gravely.  And he asked no leave this time, but clasping Daisy’s hand he bent down and kissed her forehead twice and earnestly; then he did not say another word, but strode away.  A little flush rose on Daisy’s brow, for she was a very particular little lady as to who touched her; however she listened attentively to the sound of the retreating hoofs which carried the Captain off along the road; and when Juanita at last came in with her little tray and a cup of tea, she found Daisy’s face set in a very thoughtful mood and her eyes full of tears.  The face did not even brighten at her approach.

“Miss Daisy,” said the black woman, “I thought you wanted a cup of tea?”

“So I do, Juanita.  I want it very much.”

Mrs. Benoit made remarks to herself upon the wise little face that met her with such a sober greeting.  However she made none aloud; she supported Daisy nicely with one arm and set the little tray before her.  The tea was excellent; the toast was in dainty, delicate, thin brown strips.  Daisy took it soberly.

“Does it seem good to my love?”

“O yes, Juanita!” said the child looking up gratefully; “it is very good; and you make the prettiest toast I ever saw.”

The black woman smiled, and bade her eat it and not look at it.

“But I think it tastes better for looking pretty, Juanita.”

“The Lord knows,” said the woman; “and he made the trees in the garden of Eden to be pleasant to the eyes, as well as good for food.”

“I am glad he did,” said Daisy.  “How pleasant the trees have been to my eyes this morning.  Then I was sick and could not do anything but look at them; but they are pleasant to my eyes too when I am well.  It is very painful to have one’s friends go away, Juanita.”

“Has my love lost friends?” said Mrs. Benoit, wondering at this speech.

“Yes,” said Daisy.  “Mr. Dinwiddie is gone; and now Capt.  Drummond.  I have got hardly anybody left.”

“Was Mr. Dinwiddie Miss Daisy’s friend?”

Such a bright, warm, glad flash of a smile as Juanita got in answer!  It spoke for the friendship on one side.

“But he is gone,” said Daisy.  “I wish I could see him again.  He is gone, and I never shall!”

“Now Miss Daisy, you will lie still and be quiet, my love, until somebody else comes.  The doctor says that’s the way.  Mr. Dinwiddie is about his Master’s work, wherever he is; and you want to do the same?”

“How can I, Juanita, lying here?  I cannot do anything.”

“Does my love think the good Lord ever give his servants no work to do for him?”

“Why here, Juanita—­I can only lie here and be still.  What can I do?”

“My love pray the dear Master to shew her; and now not talk just now.”

Daisy lay still.  The next comer was the doctor.  He came while the morning was still early; made his examinations; and Daisy made hers.  He was a very fine-looking man.  Thick locks of auburn hair, thrown back from his face; a noble and grave countenance; blue eye keen and steady; and a free and noble carriage; there was enough about Dr. Sandford to engage all Daisy’s attention and interest.  She gave him both, in her quiet way; while he looked not so much at her as at her condition and requirements.