ties, she mentally pictured to
herself what might happen in case of the worst. Would she be blamed for his
death? and what would become of all Hugh's money?

She speculated as to how he had willed it, and wondered what were the
contents of the letter Hugh had written to her father before that
afternoon's sail. She hoped she would not be summoned again to the
sick-room. But she was not to have that wish, for late in the evening Lancy
came in to bring her over at once.

"The doctor says the next hour will decide whether he lives or not, and he
wants you to be near in case you are needed in a hurry."

Towards midnight Hugh opened his eyes and recognized Mrs. Gurney, who was
bending over him; and as he turned his face and saw the doctor also, he
said, in a faint voice:

"What is the matter? Why am I here?"

"You have been sick, Hugh," said Mrs. Gurney, taking his hand; "do not
talk."

"But I thought--I thought--I was in a boat," he said, faintly, and a
puzzled look came over his face. "I was looking--for someone--or I was
dreaming."

"You must not talk; try not to think itself," said the doctor, as he held
some medicine to his lips. "You have been dreaming, no doubt; but try not
to think about it any more."

Hugh was quiet for some minutes; memory was slowly returning; but at last
the past all came back, and, casting an imploring glance into the doctor's
face, said:

"Tell me! I remember it all now--I was searching for Dexie--is she safe?"

"Yes, safe and well, so make your mind easy."

"If I could--only feel--sure--"

"Will you bring me that pitcher of water, Miss Sherwood?"

The doctor's voice was low, but distinct, and an eager light came into
Hugh's face as he heard the name.

"Pour a little into this glass," the doctor added.

As Dexie came near at the doctor's direction, Hugh looked up, and for one
short moment their eyes met.

But that moment assured Hugh that Dexie was safe; that was all he could
comprehend at present, for he was too weak to ask any more questions. Dexie
could not bear the strain much longer, so, bending over Mrs. Gurney, she
whispered:

"Tell me I may go, if only into the next room. I cannot bear it."

"Just a moment more, Miss Sherwood," the doctor whispered, overhearing the
request "Help me a moment here," he said aloud, "and then you may retire."

She came towards the bed, and complied with his directions, knowing full
well that Hugh's eyes were devouring her face.

"Is