a. I hope it is strong
and hot."

Dexie colored slightly as she poured it out and helped him to raise his
head as he drank it, knowing how a pair of eyes were watching her.

"Shall I shake your pillows while you are up, papa?"

"No; they are quite comfortable. Perhaps you don't care to believe that
Traverse is almost as handy a nurse as yourself; but there! he can never be
quite so good as my own little girl," and he drew her down to his side.

"You look pale yet, papa. Are you sure the pain is gone? There are more hot
cushions outside if you would like them. I wish I could bear the pain for
you," she said, in a low tone.

"You cannot do that, little woman, but you can do something else that would
make me feel better. Be a little less rude to Traverse here; he is my best
friend, and there is no need to snap his head off every time you speak to
him. I can't think what ails you lately, Dexie; you never used to be so
quarrelsome."

Dexie flushed painfully and softly replied:

"As _your_ friend, papa, I will try and give him less cause for complaint
in the future--if I can help it," she added, without lifting her eyes.

"Well, it is something to have you promise that much itself, but he has not
been complaining, Dexie. I am the one who is finding fault, so don't begin
to scold him for that. Now, I am going to try and sleep, so go out of the
room, the both of you, and don't come disturbing me. I will pull the bell
if I want anything," and being thus dismissed, Dexie found herself alone
with Guy in the sitting-room.

CHAPTER XL.

The house was silent and still. All had retired, and Dexie moved gently
about, placing the room in order, wishing that Traverse would make some
move to leave the house; but he seemed in no hurry to depart, as he stood
with his elbow on the low mantel, watching her.

At last Dexie broke the silence by asking anxiously:

"Do you think papa is any worse than usual to-night, Mr. Traverse?"

"Well, I hope not, Miss Dexie. Does he take those bad turns very often?"
and his eyes were full of pity as he spoke.

"Not often at this hour; the turn of the night is always his worst time.
Oh! I hope it will not be severe to-night. He seems so much weaker than
usual that I--I'm afraid for him," she said brokenly.

"Let me stay with you to-night, Dexie; I cannot go away and leave you with
such a dread on your heart," and he came near to her side. "I can help you
if he is worse," he added, gen