him."

Alice Deringham smiled a little, but there was a vibration in her voice
that stirred the man. "Do you think I could?"

This time there was no mistaking the faint haziness in Seaforth's eyes.
"God bless you," he said simply. "He is my friend--and I think you are
the only one who can do anything for him."

Alice Deringham had in her a trace of greatness which was instinctive,
and not the result of the training that had taught her serenity. So,
though the man had not hidden his meaning, she made no protest nor
asked any question.

"All this is new to me," she said; "but I will do the best I can."

Seaforth led her into a room where a dim light was burning. It was
most of it in shadow, but she could see the still form on the bed, and
for a moment or two nothing else. The face on the pillow was very
white and hollow, the half-closed eyes had a curious glitter, while a
lean hand was clenched upon the coverlet. Alice Deringham had seen
very little of suffering of any kind, and nothing of sickness, and for
a moment she stood motionless, horrified at the sight of what was left
of the man who had parted from her on the verandah the incarnation of
resolute virility. As she watched him he moaned a little, and the
sound, which was scarcely human and suggested the cry of some
unreasoning creature in pain, sent a thrill through her. Her eyes
dimmed a little, and moving forward softly she laid a cool palm on the
flushed forehead.

"Don't you know me, Harry? I have come to take care of you," she said.

The man's eyes opened wider, and though it was evident that there was
not complete comprehension in them he sighed as with a great
contentment. Then they closed altogether as he turned his head a
trifle on the pillow. The girl did not move, but stood stooping a
little, and looking down at him with a great compassion, until a man
who had been watching her nodded unseen to Seaforth as he also bent
over the bed. He waited for almost a minute, and then straightened
himself wearily as he spoke in a just audible whisper.

"Quiet at last, and sleep may come! Miss Deringham, I think?" he said.

The girl bent her head, and moved softly with him towards the door.
"He knew me?" she said.

The doctor shook his head. "No--not altogether, I think. Still, he is
quiet, and that is everything. Now I may be wanted--presently--and for
a little there is nothing I can do, while Mr. Seaforth and I have
reached our limits. I