the room next her. There was much that was noble and
fine about him, but he was a type that had never entered her life before,
and often, by his kindliest word and gesture, drew her attention to a
yawning space between them. She was at her ease, perfectly so, when near
him, but she knew it was because of the distance that separated them.
Still, she was confronted by a certain grim fact, and that ugly knowledge
held him and her together. By some strange process of reason she wanted
him to live up to the best in him. There were two markedly different
sides of his nature; she trembled before one; before the other she gave
homage as she did to Travers, to John Boswell, and Master Farwell.

The day before, Huntter had had a long talk with Doctor Hapgood while she
was off duty. That conversation had doubtlessly caused the bad night; she
wondered about it now. It had evidently upset Huntter a good deal.

Then Priscilla, losing consciousness gradually, thought of Travers, of
Margaret Moffatt, who believed her to be out of the city. She smiled
happily as she relived her blessed memories of good men and women. They
justified and sanctified life, love, and happiness, and they made it
possible for her, poor, struggling, little white nurse as she was, with
all her professional knowledge, to trust and sympathize, and faithfully
serve.

She must have slept deeply, for it took her a full moment to realize that
some one in the next room was talking and--saying things!

"No, she's asleep, Huntter. She looks worn out. We must get a night
nurse. Well, I have only this to say: God knows I pity you, but my duty
compels me to say that--you should not marry! The chances are about even;
but--you shouldn't take the risk."

A groan brought Priscilla to her feet, alert and quivering. Like a sudden
and blinding shock she understood, what seemed to her, a whole life
history. She stumbled to the door and faced Dr. Hapgood, hat in hand,
keen-eyed, but detached.

"You slept--heavily?"

"Yes, Doctor Hapgood."

"I am going to send a night nurse to relieve you. When did you say your
next engagement began?"

"March fifth."

"Well, you will need a week to recuperate. Make your plans accordingly.
Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Did he suspect? Did he warn her? But his next words were kindness alone.

"There should have been two nurses all along. One forgets your youth in
your efficiency. Good morning."

When Priscilla stood beside Huntter aga