en to her, the effect cannot but be immense. It began by a
great soothing, a happy light in the troubled eyes, a smile round the
sweet, nobly formed lips, the words coming again and yet again,
'Leuchy, Leuchy, I have got you, after all!'

In less than a week Hollyhock was quite out of danger. She recognised
her father; she recognised Jasper; she recognised dear Aunt Cecilia.
She was gentle and sweet to every one. Only once she asked in an
anxious tone, 'Leuchy, is my Lightning Speed all right?'

'Oh yes, you may be sure of that,' replied Leucha. 'There never was a
horse so fussed over.'

'Then I 'm happy,' whispered Hollyhock. 'Hold my hand, Leuchy.'
Leucha did so, and the sick girl dreamt happy dreams, during which her
fever quite departed.

The doctors--for the Duke insisted on their coming constantly--said
that it was a strange and remarkable case of recovery by the power of
love. They looked with a puzzled expression at the object of that
love, but held their peace, for Leucha had done what none of them could
have achieved.

Just before Christmas-time the Duke of Ardshiel insisted on having an
interview with Hollyhock.

'Oh, my dear, my darling,' he said; and his old lips trembled and his
great, dark, magnificent eyes flashed with a very subdued and very
softened fire. 'Oh, my love, the Almighty has given you back to the
old man.'

'Sit close to me, Ardshiel,' exclaimed Hollyhock, 'and hold my hand. I
love you so well, Ardshiel.'

'I want you to do something for me, my Hollyhock, I have got your
father's consent and also the doctors' consent, and they say--the
doctors do--that a long, long rest will be best for you; so I have my
plans all formed. I want you to come, to come away to be company to
the old man for Christmas; and afterwards, when you are a bit stronger,
I mean to take you to the Riviera, where the sun shines all day and the
flowers bloom. Will you come with the old man, my dear?'

'Oh Ardshiel, I would, I would; but listen, Ardshiel dear, and don't be
angry. I cannot leave Leuchy behind, for you know she saved my life,
no less.'

'I 'll have her at the Castle, but I 'll not take her to the Riviera,'
said the Duke. 'You'll be strong enough, my bonnie lass, to be back at
the Palace of the Kings at Easter; but, to tell the honest truth, I
have no liking for the maid you call Leucha. However, she has done
good work for you, and I have a special locket and crest to give her.
I 'll