Sunday noon
`` I was going to ask you for something for her shoulder , '' said Grandmother Thacher , much pleased , `` she 'll tell you about it , it was a fall she had out of an apple-tree , '' -- and Nan looked up with not a little apprehension , but presently tucked her small hand inside the doctor 's and was more than ready to go with him . `` I thought she looked a little pale , '' the doctor said , to which Mrs. Thacher answered that it was a merciful Providence who had kept the child from breaking her neck , and then , being at the foot of the church steps , they separated . It had been a great trial to the good woman to give up the afternoon service , but she was growing old , as she told herself often in those days , and felt , as she certainly looked , greatly older than her years . `` I feel as if Anna was sure of one good friend , whether I stay with her or not , '' said the grandmother sorrowfully , as she drove toward home that Sunday noon with Jacob Dyer and his wife . `` I never saw the doctor so taken with a child before . 'T was a pity he had to lose his own , and his wife too ; how many years ago was it ? I should think he 'd be lonesome , though to be sure he is n't in the house much .