In answer to anxious inquiries, he reported that Mr. Rockharrt had slept
well during the night, and had just taken refreshment prepared by old
Martha under the physician's own orders, and had composed himself to
sleep again.

"He would not admit any of us last night. Will he see me this morning?"
inquired Rose Rockharrt.

"Of course, after a little while. It was best that I and the old nurse
should have watched him alone together last night, but the woman now
needs rest, and I must presently take leave, to look after my other
patients. You two ladies must take the watch to-day, with one of these
gentlemen within call. I will give you full directions for my patient's
treatment, and will see him again in the afternoon."

"Does my father's present condition admit of my leaving him to go and
look after the works this morning?" inquired Mr. Fabian, who had spent
the night at Rockhold.

"Yes," replied the doctor, after some little hesitation. "Yes; I think
so. If your presence here should be absolutely needed, you can be
promptly summoned, you know; but one of you should remain on guard."

"Clarence will stay home, then," replied Mr. Fabian.

"Doctor, you heard my grandfather order me to leave Rockhold this
morning to join my regiment. Now, what do you think? May I see him
before I go?" inquired the young lieutenant.

"I will let you know when he wakes," said Dr. Cummins.

"Must you leave us to-day, Sylvan? Could you not be excused under the
circumstances?" inquired Mrs. Rockharrt.

"No; I could not be excused. I must join my regiment, Rose."

"But, Cora! Oh, Cora! You will not leave us now? You are not under
orders, and--and--I wish you would stay," pleaded Rose.

"I shall stay, Rose. It is as much my bounden duty to stay as it is that
of Sylvan to go," answered Cora.

"Oh, that is such a relief to my feelings!" exclaimed the other lady.

Dr. Cummins looked up in surprise, glancing from one woman to the other.

Sylvan undertook to explain.

"My sister was going out with me, sir. I am her nearest relative, as she
is mine, and we do not like to be separated."

"Ah!" said the doctor. "And now, very properly, she decides to stay
here."

"For a while, Dr. Cummins--until the case of my grandfather shall be
decided. Later I shall certainly follow my brother," Cora explained.

Before another word could be uttered the door opened, and Violet
Rockharrt, in a silver gray carriage dress, entered the room. Mr. Fab