them?"

"I see that papa does not."

"Despondency and self-reproach made him morbidly anxious. Believe so, my
Margaret! You know he is no surgeon!"

"His education included that line," said Margaret. "I believe he has
all but the manual dexterity. However, I would fain have faith in Sir
Matthew," she added, smiling, "and perhaps I am only swayed by the habit
of thinking that papa must know best."

"He does in indifferent cases; but it is an old axiom, that a medical
man should not prescribe for his own family; above all, in such a case,
where it is but reasonable to believe an unprejudiced stranger, who
alone is cool enough to be relied on. I absolutely depend on him!"

Margaret absolutely depended on the bright cheerful look of conviction.
"Yes," she said, "we will try to make papa take pleasure in the
prospect. Perhaps I could do more if I made the attempt."

"I am sure you could, if you would let me give you more support. If I
were but going to remain with you!"

"Don't let us be discontented," said Margaret, smiling, "when so much
more has been granted than I dare to hope. Be it as it may, let us be
happy in what we have."

"It makes you happy?" said he, archly reading her face to draw out the
avowal, but he only made her hide it, with a mute caress of the hand
that held hers. She was glad enough to rest in the present, now that
everything concurred to satisfy her conscience in so doing, and come
what might, the days now spent together would be a possession of joy for
ever.

Captain Gordon contrived to afford his lieutenant another fortnight's
leave, perhaps because he was in dread of losing him altogether, for
Alan had some doubts, and many longings to remain. Had it been possible
to marry at once, he would have quitted the navy immediately; and he
would have given worlds to linger beside Margaret's couch, and claim her
the first moment possible, believing his care more availing than all. He
was, however, so pledged to Captain Gordon, that, without strong cause,
he would not have been justified in withdrawing; besides, Harry was
under his charge, and Dr. May and Margaret both thought, with the
captain, that an active life would be a better occupation for him than
watching her. He would never be able to settle down at his new home
comfortably without her, and he would be more in the way of duty while
pursuing his profession, so Margaret nerved herself against using her
influence to detain him, and he than