except for the bright, the terrifying flush of
the cheeks; and the lips were dark with the sickly darkness of death. He
lay on his back continually, apathetic and listless, his eyes closed.
Now and again he opened them, and their vacant brilliancy was almost
unearthly. He seemed to see horrible things, impossible to prevent,
staring in front of him with the ghastly intensity of the blind.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Parsons and Mary nursed him devotedly. Mary was quite
splendid. In her loving quickness she forestalled all Jamie's wants, so
that they were satisfied almost before he had realised them. She was
always bright and good-tempered and fresh; she performed with constant
cheerfulness the little revolting services which the disease
necessitates; nothing was too difficult, or too harassing, or too
unpleasant for her to do. She sacrificed herself with delight, taking
upon her shoulders the major part of the work, leaving James only when
Mrs. Parsons forced her to rest. She sat up night after night
uncomplainingly; having sent for her clothes, and, notwithstanding Mrs.
Clibborn's protests, taken up her abode altogether at Primpton House.

Mrs. Clibborn said it was a most improper proceeding; that a trained
nurse would be more capable, and the Parsons could well afford it; and
also that it was indelicate for Mary to force herself upon James when he
was too ill to defend himself.

"I don't know what we should do without you, Mary," said Colonel
Parsons, with tears in his eyes. "If we save him it will be your doing."

"Of course we shall save him! All I ask you is to say nothing of what
I've done. It's been a pleasure to me to serve him, and I don't deserve,
and I don't want, gratitude."

But it became more than doubtful whether it would be possible to save
James, weakened by his wound and by the privations of the campaign. The
disease grew worse. He was constantly delirious, and his prostration
extreme. His cheeks sank in, and he seemed to have lost all power of
holding himself together; he lay low down in the bed, as if he had given
up trying to save himself. His face became dusky, so that it was
terrifying to look upon.

The doctor could no longer conceal his anxiety, and at last Mrs.
Parsons, alone with him, insisted upon knowing the truth.

"Is there any chance?" she asked, tremulously. "I would much rather know
the worst."

"I'm afraid very, very little."

Mrs. Parsons shook hands silently with Dr. Radley and retur