First, she had caught a severe cold--this had continued to increase--then this cold had resulted in a fever, which threatened to confine her for a long time.
Poor Verty's head drooped, and he sighed so deeply that Fanny, who communicated this intelligence, felt an emotion of great pity.
Could'nt he see Redbud?
Fanny thought not; he might, however, greet her as she passed through the town.

Word had been sent to Apple Orchard of her sickness, and the carriage was no doubt now upon its way to take her thither.

There it was now--coming through the willows! The carriage rolled up to the door; Miss Lavinia descended, and greeting Verty kindly, passed into the house.
In a quarter of an hour the severe lady came forth again, accompanied by the simpering Miss Sallianna, and by poor Redbud, who, wrapped in a shawl, and with red, feverish cheeks, made Verty sigh more deeply than before.
A bright smile from the kind eyes, a gentle pressure of the white, soft hand, now hot with fever, and the young girl was gone from him.
The noise of the carriage-wheels died in the distance.
Verty remained for some moments gazing after it; then he rose, and shaking hands with the pitying Fanny, who had lost all her merriment, got slowly into the saddle and returned.
He had expected a day of happiness and laughter with Redbud, basking in the fond light of her eyes, and rambling by her side for happy hours.
He had seen her with fevered cheek and hand, go away from him sick and suffering.
His arms hanging down, his chin resting on his breast, Verty returned slowly to the office, sighing piteously--even Longears seemed to know the suffering of his master, and was still and quiet..