“Father, I always have loved you,” she said, “but I never could say so till now.”
“I do not doubt it, my dear child,” he replied. He laid her gently upon her pillow again, and taking a seat beside her, he talked to her a long time about little Johnny--the letters they had received from Mose--their new home, with the fine large garden in the rear, which they would all take so much pleasure in cultivating when the spring opened, and many other things, to which Hesper listened with the deepest interest; and when he left her, she felt so tranquil and happy, that she sank into a pleasant sleep, which seemed to do her more good than all the medicine she had taken.
After this, she improved so rapidly that she was soon able to talk with all who visited her, and she was astonished to find how many kind friends she had. Among others, George and Benny Grimsby made their appearance, with their clothes neatly brushed, and their faces as clean and bright as soap and water could make them. At first the boys were very awkward, and scarce knew what to say, but Hesper soon touched an answering chord.
“Well, George,” said she, “I had a letter from Mose to-day, and he wrote that I must tell you, he had bought a real Guinea monkey.”
George opened wide both mouth and eyes, as he gazed at her in breathless attention, and Benny immediately drew his thumb from his mouth, where it had been, ever since he entered.
“He says, too,” continued Hesper, “that he means to teach him a great many comical tricks before he comes home, and then, if you have been good boys, you shall have him for your own.”
“Don’t you think we have been?” exclaimed George--“we did all we could to help your father when he moved, and we have been up here every day since you were sick to see how you were, and mother says she doesn’t know what she should do without us.”
“Yes,” said Hesper, “I don’t know of any better boys in town, and I will tell Mose so when he comes home.”
The boys looked very much gratified, and they continued talking about their expected present with great animation, until aunt Betsey came in, who looked so sharply at them, that they thought it was time to be going. They lingered at the door however, and in a whisper begged of Hesper a parting kiss. With many a side-long glance at aunt Betsey, they received the favor, which was readily granted, and departed perfectly satisfied.