ly puzzled Lady Alice. His face
recalled to her some one whom she had known, and she could not imagine
who that some one might be. The features, the contour the face, the
expression, were strangely familiar to her. For, by the refining forces
which sickness often applies, the man's face had lost all trace of
former coarseness or commonness: it had become something like what it
had been in the days of his first youth. And the likeness which puzzled
Lady Alice was a very strong resemblance to the patient's sister,
Rosalind Romaine.

Lady Alice was attracted by him, visited his bedside very often, and
tried to win his confidence. But "John Smith" had, at present, no
confidence to give. Questions confused and bewildered him. His brain was
in a very excitable condition, the doctor said, and he was not to be
tormented with useless queries. By the time his other injuries had been
cured, he might perhaps recover the full use of his mind, and could then
give an account of himself if he liked. Till then he was to be let
alone; and so Lady Alice contented herself with bringing him such gifts
as the authorities allowed, and with talking or reading to him a little
from time to time in soothing and friendly tones. It was to be noted
that before long his eyes followed her with interest as she crossed the
ward; that his brow cleared when she spoke to him, and that all her
movements were watched by him with great intentness. In spite of this
she could not get him to reply with anything but curtness to her
inquiries after his health and general welfare; and it was quite a
surprise to her when one day, on her visit to him, he accosted her of
his own accord.

"Won't you sit down?" he said suddenly.

"Thank you. Yes, I should like to sit and read to you a little if you
are able----"

"It isn't for that," he said, interrupting her unceremoniously; "it's
because I have something special to say to you. If you'll stoop down a
moment I'll say it--I don't want any one else to hear."

In great surprise, Lady Alice bowed her head. "I want to tell you," he
said gruffly, "that you're wasting your time and your money. These men
in the ward are not really grateful to you one bit. They speculate
before you come as to how much you are likely to give them, and when you
are gone they compare notes and grumble if you have not given them
enough."

"I do not wish to hear this," said Lady Alice, with dignity.

"I know you do not; but I think it is onl