and what had they not awakened in the
mother? And when the words, so solemn and mysterious, fell on those
unaccustomed ears in the churchyard, and Fanny, in her wild
overpowering grief, threw herself about in an agony of sorrow and
remorse, and sobbed with low screams, it was 'the lady' whom she
viewed as an angel of mercy, who held her and hushed her; and when
all was over, and she was sinking down, faint and hysterical, it was
'the lady' who--a little to the scandal of the more respectable--
helped Drake to carry her to the Rectory, the man obeying like one
dazed.

"I must leave the sheep that was lost to you, Rose," said Julius.
"You can do more for them than I as yet, and they have sent for me
to the Hall."

"You will stay there to-night if they want you; I don't want any
one," said Rosamond at the door.

He was wanted indeed at his home. Frank was in a wilder and more
raving state than ever, and Raymond so faint and sinking, and with
such a look about him, that Julius felt, more than he had ever done
before, that though the fever had almost passed away, there was no
spirit or strength to rally. He was very passive, and seemed to
have no power to wonder, though he was evidently pleased when Julius
told him both of Archie Douglas's life and the hopes of clearing his
name. "Tell Jenny she was right," he said, and did not seem
inclined to pursue the subject.

They wheeled Mrs. Poynsett away at her usual hour, when he was
dozing; and as Frank was still tossing and moaning incoherently, and
often required to be held, Julius persuaded Anne to let him take her
place with him, while she became Raymond's watcher. He dozed about
half an hour, and when she next gave him some food, he said, in a
very low feeble tone:

"You have heard from Miles?"

"Yes; he says nothing shall stop him the moment they are paid off."

"That's right. No fear of infection--that's clear," said Raymond.

"I think not--under God!" and Anne's two hands unseen clasped over
her throbbing, yearning heart.

"Dear old fellow!" said Raymond. "It is such pleasure to leave
mother to him. If I don't see him, Anne, tell him how glad I am.
I've no charge. I know he will do it all right. And mother will
have you," and he held out his hand to her. Presently he said:
"Anne. One thing--"

"Yes," she said anxiously.

"You always act on principle, I know; but don't hang back from
Miles's friends and pleasures. I know the old fellow, Anne. H