Now, suddenly, as she stood in the doorway there came into her mind the prophecy of old Katasha; and she looked afar, as if she saw visions and heard voices denied to the others. So rapt did her gaze become that little Four stole his pudgy hand into hers and inquired, beneath his breath:
"I see crowds and crowds of people. Of all sorts, all forms, all colors, all races. Crowding, crowding, and yet not crushing. Only coming, more--and more--and more. I see strange buildings. Bigger than any pictures in that book you showed me yesterday. They keep rising and spreading out on every side. I see ships on the lake; curious ones, with tall masts, a hundred times taller than that in which my Gaspar sailed away. They are so laden with people and stuff that I--I--it seems to choke me!"
She did not notice that the Doctor had drawn near and was listening intently; and even when his hand touched her shoulder she found it difficult to comprehend what he was saying.
"Wake up, lassie! Why, what is this? My practical new daughter growing a star-gazer, like the foolish old man? That won't do for our little housekeeper."
"Won't it, sir? I guess I've been dreaming. But I know I shall see all that some day, right here in this spot. This is the lake where the big ships sail, and this the ground where the houses stand."
One was at hand with his ever-ready reproof.
"That's all nonsense, Kitty Briscoe. A person can't see more than a person can. There are neither houses nor ships, such as you talk about, and you are sillier than any fairy story I ever read."
Yet long afterward he was to remember that first hour in the new home, and the rapt face of the girl gazing skyward.
Then they all went in to supper, which had been provided by the thoughtful friends at the Fort across the river; but which, the Sun Maid assured the busy women there, must be the only meal supplied that was ready prepared.
"For, if I'm to be housekeeper I mean to learn all about that, even before I do the books, which the Doctor will teach me and that I am so eager to study. But I'll be his home-maker first, and I'll give them jonny-cake for breakfast. Mercy said it was cheap and wholesome, and we have to be very careful of the Doctor's little money."