Legrange never forgot to associate Dora with herself as
its source. And Dora joyed in her darling's joy; and, if her heart
ached at thought of the coming loneliness, the pain expressed itself
no otherwise than in an added tenderness.
"That is a noble girl, Fanny," said Mr. Burroughs one day. "How
different from our dear five hundred friends at home! Put Mary
Elmsly, or Lizzy Patterson, or Miss Bloomsleigh, or Marion Lee, in
her place, and how would they fill it?"
"She is, indeed, a noble girl," replied his cousin warmly. "I never
shall forget the tender and wise care she has taken of Sunshine in
this last year. She has strengthened heart and principle as I am
afraid I could never have done."
"Paul is coming out for you, isn't he?" pursued Mr. Burroughs after
a pause.
"Yes: he will be here by the 20th. Why did you ask?"
"Because Dora cannot travel home alone, and I think of accompanying
her. I may stay a while, and study prairie life."
Mrs. Legrange looked at him in surprise a moment; and then a merry
smile broke over her face, for such a smile was possible now to her.
"Capital!" exclaimed she. "I never thought of it. But why not?"
"Why not spend a few weeks in Iowa? Well, of course, why not?" asked
Mr. Burroughs a little grimly, and presently added,--
"That is a pernicious custom of yours Fanny,--that rushing at
conclusions.
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