Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/224

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Virgo, the Virgin
207

She made up a little prayer and said it after her other prayers every night and morning,———

"I pray that the spell be broken, and my dear Bertrand may get well."

And by and by it seemed that Ellie's innocent prayer was answered; for Bertrand got well!

The Vaughn family went back to America, and Ellie and her friend had to say good-by, but they bore it pretty bravely, for Bertrand—as he stood straight and strong, though slender, by her side on the ship's deck, said to her,———

"It will be only six months until I see you again, for my father has promised to bring me to America, you know."

Ellie nodded wisely. "I know."

And then Bertrand drew a long breath.

"Oh, Ellie—if the spell had not been broken!"

"It had to be; that is always the end of the story!"