f the book was to
Hester, at least, what it would be when she knew it was gone.

"Tell her, and give her that if she becomes excitable," said Dr. Brown,
producing a minute bottle out of a voluminous pocket. "And if you want
me I shall be at Canon Wylde's at five o'clock. I'll look in anyhow
before I go home."

Rachel and the Bishop stood a moment in silence after he was gone, and
then Rachel took up the little bottle, read the directions carefully,
and turned to go up-stairs.

The Bishop looked after her, but did not speak. He was sorry for her.

"You can go out till tea-time," said Rachel, to the nurse. "I will stay
with Miss Gresley till then."

Hester was lying on a couch by the fire in a rose-colored wrapper. Her
small face, set in its ruffle of soft lace, looked bright and eager. Her
hair had been cut short, and she looked younger and more like Regie than
ever.

Her thin hands lay contentedly in her lap. The principal bandages were
gone. Only three fingers of the right hand were in a chrysalis state.

"I shall not be in too great a hurry to get well," she said to Rachel.
"If I do you will rush away to London and get married.

"Shall I?" Rachel set down the little bottle on the mantel-piece.

"When is Mr. Scarlett coming down?"

"He came down to-day."

"Then possibly he may call."

"Such things do happen."

"I should like to see him."

"In a day or two, perhaps."

"And I want to see dear Dick, too."

"He sent you his love. Mr. Pratt was here at luncheon yesterday, and he
asked me who the old chap was who put on his clothes with a shoe-horn."

"How like him! Has he said anything more to the Bishop on the uses of
swearing?"

"No. But the Bishop draws him on. He delights in him."

"Rachel, are you sure you have chosen the best man?"

"Quite sure--I mean I never had any choice in the matter. You see I love
Hugh, and I'm only fond of Mr. Dick."

"I always liked Mr. Scarlett," said Hester. "I've known him ever since I
came out, and that wasn't yesterday. He is so gentle and refined, and
one need not be on one's guard in talking to him. He understands what
one says, and he is charming looking."

"Of course, I think so."

"And this is the genuine thing, Rachel? Do you remember our talk last
summer?"

Rachel was silent a moment.

"All I can say is," she said, brokenly, "that I thank God, day and
night, that Mr. Tristram did not marry me--that I'm free to marry Hugh."

Hester's uncrippled ha