of the large,
dreary apartment.

An open door gave a glimpse into an inner room, from which came a slight
sound as of a restless movement, a sigh or groan.

Pointing to the chairs, the physician invited the strangers to be seated.

Edward put his sister in one and took possession of another close at her
side.

"How soon can we see Mr. Leland?" he asked, putting his card into the
doctor's hand.

"I will go and prepare Signor Leland for the interview," the doctor
answered, and disappeared through the open doorway.

"Good news for you, signor!" they heard him say in a quiet tone.

"Ah! let me hear it," sighed a well-known voice. "'As cold water to a
thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.'"

"You are right, signor, it comes from far-off America. A friend--a young
signor has arrived, and asks to see you."

"Ah! his name?" exclaimed the sick man, with a tremor of gladness in his
feeble tones.

"Here is his card."

"'Edward Travilla!'--ah what joy! Let me see him at once. 'Twill be like a
breath of home air!"

Every word had reached the ears of the two in the studio.

"Go! go!" cried Elsie, scarcely above her breath, and Edward rose and went
softly in.

"Not much talk now, signores," Elsie heard the doctor say.

"No; we'll be prudent," Edward said, grasping Lester's hand.

"So good! so kind! more than I dared hope! But how is she? my darling?"
Elsie heard in feeble, faltering, yet eager accents.

"Well, very well, and longing to come here and nurse you back to health."

"Ah, a glimpse of her sweet face I think would bring me back from the
borders of the grave! But I could not expect or ask such a sacrifice."

Elsie could wait no longer; she rose and glided with swift, almost
noiseless steps to the bedside.

Edward made way for her. Lester looked up, caught sight of her, and a
flash of exceeding joy lighted up his pale, emaciated features.

"Elsie!"

"Lester!"

She dropped on her knees, laid her face on the pillow beside his, and
their lips met in a long kiss.

"O love, love! how sweet, how kind, how dear in you!" he murmured.

"I have come to be your nurse," she said, with a lovely blush and smile,
"come to stay with you always while God spares our lives."

Soon Edward went out and left them together. He had much to attend to,
with Dinah and Ben for his helpers. Other and better apartments were
speedily rented, cleaned, and comfortably, even elegantly furnished. Their
mother had sen