k charge of him to convey him home. A little quietness and
a little rest will restore him perfectly, however, and I have no doubt
to-morrow or next day will leave no trace of this excitement."

"You have been most kind," said she, rising, "and I am very grateful for
it. We owe much to you already, and this last but increases the debt."

Dunn stood silently contemplating her, as she replaced her bonnet and
prepared for the road. At last he said, "Have you come all this way on
foot and alone?"

"On foot, but not alone; a comrade of my brother's--a fellow-soldier of
his--kindly gave me his escort. He is waiting for me now without."

"Oh, then, the adventure has had its compensation to a certain degree,"
said Dunn, with a smile of raillery.

"Either I do not understand you, or you mistake me,--which is it?" said
she, boldly.

"My dear young lady," said Dunn, hastily, "do not let me offend you.
There is everything in what you have done this night to secure you
respect and esteem. We live in a time when there is wonderfully little
of personal devotion; and commonplace men like myself may well misjudge
its sacrifices."

"And yet it is precisely from you I should have expected the reverse. If
great minds are tainted with littleness, where are we to look for high
and noble sentiments?" She moved towards the door as she spoke; and
Dunn, anticipating her, said,--

"Do not go for a moment; let me offer you some refreshment, even a glass
of wine. Well, then, your friend? It is scarcely courteous to leave him
outside in such weather."

"Pray forgive me not accepting your offer; but I am impatient to be at
home again. My father, too, will be distressed at my absence."

"But I will send my carriage with you; you shall not walk," said he,
ringing the bell.

"Do not think me ungrateful, but I had rather return as I came. You have
no idea, sir, how painfully kindness comes to hearts like ours. A sense
of pride sustains us through many a trial; break down this, and we are
helpless."

"Is it that you will accept nothing at my hands,--even the most
commonplace of attentions? Well, I'll try if I cannot be more fortunate
elsewhere;" and so saying, he hurried at once from the room. Before
Sybella could well reflect on his words, he was back again, followed by
Charles Conway.

"Miss Kellett was disposed to test your Crimean habits again, my good
fellow," said Dunn, "by keeping you out there under this terrible rain,
and I percei