llison Bain.
He had never been told her story before; but through some words spoken
by Mr Hadden, and later by Mr Hume, he knew that she _had_ a story,
and that it was a sad one. It was not necessary for him to say all this
to Mr Rainy, who ended by saying:

"What I want you to tell me is, whether the man is likely to live or to
die." And then he added, with an oath, "If I thought he might live, I
would not lift my finger to bring a woman like her, into the power of a
man like him. Certainly I would not do so against her will. But if he
is to die--that is another thing."

Doctor Fleming was not the kind of man to be taken altogether into his
confidence as to the motive he had in desiring to bring these two
together, and he said no more.

"I will see the man to-day," said the doctor, gravely.

As one door opened to let Mr Rainy out, another opened to admit Allison
and Marjorie. It was Marjorie who spoke first.

"My father said I was to come and see you, doctor. I am little Marjorie
Hume. You'll mind on me, I think."

Doctor Fleming laughed, and lifting the little creature in his arms,
kissed her, "cheek and chin."

"My little darling! And are you quite well and strong?"

"Oh! yes. I'm quite well and strong now--just like other bairns. I'm
not very big yet," added she, as he set her down again. "But I am well.
Allie will tell you."

Allison, who had remained near the door, came forward smiling.

"She is much better indeed," said she.

"You should say quite well, Allie dear," urged Marjorie, in a whisper.

"Yes, I may say quite well. Her father wished us to come and see you
before going home. Or rather, he wished you to see the child. But your
time is precious."

"Where are you staying? At the old place with Mrs Robb? Well, I will
come round and see you this evening. I have a good many questions to
ask. You were not thinking of leaving to-day?"

No, they were to remain a day to rest, and some one was to meet them
when they left the mail-coach to take them home. The doctor asked a
question or two and let them go, but his eyes followed them with
interest till they passed round the corner out of sight.

When he came to see them in the evening, he found Marjorie sleeping on
the sofa, while Allison sat by her side with her work in her hand. It
happened well, for the doctor had some questions to ask which could be
answered all the more clearly and exactly, that the child need not be
conside