checked the
bleeding--it was a providential thing that I was at hand to do it--and
if you keep absolutely still, it won't burst out again. I am telling you
this because it is necessary for you to know what a serious matter it is.
Any exertion might bring it on again, and then I can't say what would
happen. You have lost a good deal of blood as it is, and you can't afford
to lose any more. But if you behave like a sensible girl, and lie quiet
for a few days, you will soon be none the worse for the adventure."

"For a few days!" Nan's eyes widened. "Then--then I shan't be able to go
with--with--" She faltered, and broke off.

He answered her with very kindly sympathy.

"Poor little woman! It's hard lines, but I am afraid there is no help for
it. You will have to postpone your honeymoon for a little while."

"Have you--have you--told--him?" Nan whispered anxiously.

"Yes, he knows all about it," the doctor said. "You shall see him
presently. But I want you to rest now. You have had a nasty shock, and
I should like you to sleep it off. Just drink this, and shut your eyes."

Nan obeyed him meekly. She was feeling very weak and tired. And, after a
little, she fell asleep, blissfully unconscious of the fact that her
husband was seated close to her on the other side of the bed, silent and
watchful, and immobile as a statue.

She did not wake till late on the following morning, and then it was to
find her sister Mona only in attendance.

"Have you been up all night?" was Nan's first query.

Mona hesitated.

"Well, not exactly. I lay down part of the time."

"Why in the world didn't you go to bed?" questioned Nan.

"I couldn't, dear. Piet was here."

"Who?" said Nan sharply; then, colouring vividly, "All night, Mona? How
could you let him?"

"I couldn't help it!" said Mona. "He wouldn't go."

"What nonsense! He's gone now, I suppose?" Nan spoke irritably. The
tightness of the doctor's bandages was causing her considerable pain.

"Oh, yes, he went some time ago," Mona assured her. "But he is sure to
come back presently, and say good-bye."

"Say good-bye!" Nan echoed the words slowly, a dawning brightness in her
eyes. "Is he--is he really going, then?" she whispered.

"He says he must go--whatever happens. It was a solemn promise, and he
can't break it. I don't understand, of course, but he is wanted at
Kimberley to avert some crisis connected with the mines."

"Then--he will have to start soon?" said Nan.