ore the journey much better than they expected, and they
carried him to the room which, by Dexie's forethought, had been provided
with everything that could add to his comfort. The house was quiet and
still, and a good hour's rest fortified him for the visit that his wife
must soon make to his room.

Mrs. Sherwood had been persuaded into taking a drive with the doctor's wife
about the time the train was expected, and she had been kept away long
enough for Mr. Sherwood to rally from the fatigue of the journey. Gussie,
with the rest of the family, had witnessed his arrival from an upper
window, and wept sorely at seeing her father carried into the house on a
bed, remembering how well and strong he had walked out of it a few short
weeks before.

When Mrs. Sherwood arrived, and found that her husband had been brought
home in her absence, she felt very much hurt, and she entered the room
subdued and quiet; but when she beheld the change that had taken place in
her strong, robust husband since she had last seen him, nothing but the
doctor's presence prevented her from throwing herself across the bed. She
dropped to her knees by the bedside, with a wail of despair, and Gussie's
sobs were added to the moans that came from the lips of the kneeling wife.
Dexie bent over her sister, saying firmly:

"You must either control yourself or leave the room. Can't you see how it
distresses papa?"

Guy Traverse led the sobbing girl out of the room at last, and his kind
words of comfort did much to help Gussie overcome her violent grief. He
was fast recovering from his own wounds, and he made himself very useful in
spite of his one-armed condition--for he still wore his broken arm in a
sling. Dexie was not blind to the excellent traits of character he had
displayed during the trying weeks past, but when she endeavored to express
her thanks he stopped her with a word.

Weeks passed, and Mr. Sherwood's progress was so slow as to damp all hopes
as to his ultimate recovery.

"I must know the truth," he said one morning, when the doctor made his
usual visit; "it is no kindness to keep me in ignorance of my true
condition. If I am not likely to rise from this bed a well man, then it is
time I settled my business; so tell me what you think, Dr. Brown."

But it is not easy to get a doctor's opinion, and at last it was decided to
send for the famous Dr. Jacobs, and have a consultation.

"Well, have the consultation as soon as possible, for t