ied and composed,
received the doctors after the consultation with Sir Benjamin Grant next
day, before the celebrated surgeon left for London, and she made her
usual good impression upon the great man.

That the local lights thought far more highly of Arabella did not
matter. Mrs. Cricklander was wise enough to know, it is upon the exalted
that a good effect must be produced.

"And, you are sure, Sir Benjamin, that he will get quite well?" she said
tenderly, allowing her handsome eyes to melt upon the surgeon's face.
"It matters enormously to me, you know." Then she looked down.

Thus appealed to, Sir Benjamin felt he must give her all the assurance
he could.

"Perfectly, dear lady," he said, pressing her soft hand in sympathy. "He
is young and strong, and fortunately it has not touched his brain. But
it will take time and gentlest nursing, which you will see, of course,
that he gets."

"Indeed, yes," the fair Cecilia said. And when they were all gone, she
summoned Arabella.

"You will let me know, Arabella, every minute change in him," she
commanded, "especially when he seems conscious. And you will tell him
how I am watching over him and doing everything for him. I can't bear
sick people--they upset my nerves, and I just can't stand them. But the
moment he is all right enough to see me so that it won't bore me, I'll
come. You understand? Now I must really have a trional and get some
rest."

And when she was alone she went deliberately to the glass and smiled
radiantly to herself as she whispered aloud:

"So he isn't going to die or be an idiot. In a few years he can still be
Prime Minister. And I have got him now, as sure as fate!"

Then she closed her mouth with that firm snap Arabella knew so well,
and, swallowing her sleeping draught, she composed herself for a
peaceful siesta.

CHAPTER XXII

It required all Halcyone's fortitude to act the part of unconcern which
was necessary after the post had come in and no letter for herself had
arrived. The only possibility of getting through the time until she
should reach London, and be able to communicate with Cheiron would, be
resolutely to forbid her thoughts from turning in any speculative
direction. _She knew_ nothing but good could come to her--was she not
protected from all harm by every strong force of the night winds, the
beautiful stars and the God Who owned them all? Therefore it followed
that this seeming disaster to her happiness must be o