Page:RMBallantyne--Martin Rattler.djvu/297

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CHAPTER XXVIII.

Conclusion.

Aunt Dorothy Grumbit did not die. Her gentle spirit had nearly fled; but Martin's re- turn and Martin's tender nursing brought her round, and she gradually regained all her former strength and vigour. Yes, to the unutterable joy of Martin, to the inexpressible delight of Mr. Arthur Jollyboy and Barney, and to the surprise and complete discom- fiture of the young doctor, who shook his head and said, " There is no hope," Aunt Dorothy Grumbit re- covered, and was brought back in health and in triumph to her old cottage at Ashford!

Moreover, she was arrayed again in the old bed- curtain chintz with the flowers as bio- as saucers, and the old high-crowned cap. A white kitten was got, too, so like the one that used to be Martin's play- mate, that no one could discover a hair of difference. So remarkable was this, that Martin made inquiry,