Nan nodded , and feeling much relieved now that the responsibility was off her shoulders , took the lads to Dr Watkins , who promised to come out later and examine Don . A merry tea at Nan 's house , which was kept open for her all summer , did them good , and by the time they got home in the cool of the evening no sign of the panic remained but Ted 's heavy eyes , and a slight limp when Rob walked . As the guests were still chattering on the front piazza they retired to the back , and Ted soothed his remorseful soul by swinging Rob in the hammock , while Nan told stories till the dog man arrived . He said Don was a little under the weather , but no more mad than the grey kitten that purred round his legs while the examination went on . ` He wants his master , and feels the heat . Fed too well , perhaps . I 'll keep him a few weeks and send him home all right , ' said Dr Watkins , as Don laid his great head in his hand , and kept his intelligent eyes on his face , evidently feeling that this man understood his trials , and knew what to do for him . So Don departed without a murmur , and our three conspirators took counsel together how to spare the family all anxiety , and give Rob the rest his leg demanded . Fortunately , he always spent many hours in his little study , so he could lie on the sofa with a book in his hand as long as he liked , without exciting any remark . Being of a quiet temperament , he did not worry himself or Nan with useless fears , but believed what was told him , and dismissing all dark possibilities , went cheerfully on his way , soon recovering from the shock of what he called ` our scare ' . But excitable Ted was harder to manage , and it took all Nan 's wit and wisdom to keep him from betraying the secret ; for it was best to say nothing and spare all discussion of the subject for Rob 's sake . Ted 's remorse preyed upon him , and having no ` Mum ' to confide in , he was very miserable . By day he devoted himself to Rob , waiting on him , talking to him , gazing anxiously at him , and worrying the good fellow very much ; though he would n't own it , since Ted found comfort in it . But at night , when all was quiet , Ted 's lively imagination and heavy heart got the better of him , and kept him awake , or set him walking in his sleep . Nan had her eye on him , and more than once administered a little dose to give him a rest , read to him , scolded him , and when she caught him haunting the house in the watches of the night , threatened to lock him up if he did not stay in his bed . This wore off after a while ; but a change came over the freakish boy , and everyone observed it , even before his mother returned to ask what they had done to quench the Lion 's spirits . He was gay , but not so heedless ; and often when the old wilfulness beset him , he would check it sharply , look at Rob , and give up , or stalk away to have his sulk out alone . He no longer made fun of his brother 's old-fashioned ways and bookish tastes , but treated him with a new and very marked respect , which touched and pleased modest Rob , and much amazed all observers . It seemed as if he felt that he owed him reparation for the foolish act that might have cost him his life ; and love being stronger than will , Ted forgot his pride , and paid his debt like an honest boy . ' I do n't understand it , ' said Mrs Jo , after a week of home life , much impressed by the good behaviour of her younger son .
` XXXXX is such a saint , I 'm afraid we are going to lose him .
Don Nan Rob Ted Watkins day hours night right weeks