CHAPTER XII.
FAREWELL.
Prudy was really getting better.

Mrs.Parlin said she should trust a physician more next time.

The doctor declared that all the severe pain Prudy had suffered was really necessary.
"Believe me, my dear madam," said he, "when the poor child has complained most, she has in fact been making most progress towards health.

When the sinews are 'knitting together,' as we call it, then the agony is greatest." This was very comforting to Mrs.Parlin, who thought she would not be discouraged so easily again; she would always believe that it is "darkest just before day." There was really everything to hope for Prudy.

The doctor thought that by the end of three months she would walk as well as ever.