ch might go far. It masked the depths in both of them; or
rather it was a first bridge thrown over the chasm between them. What
would come of it?

Again she rebuked herself even for the question. But when the time for
departure came, and Nelly took Cicely into the house to fetch the wraps
which had been left there, Farrell drew his chair close to Hester's. She
read agitation in his look.

'So she's actually going to take up this new nursing? She says she is to
have six months' training.'

'Yes--don't grudge it her!'

Farrell was silent a moment, then broke out--'Did you ever see anything
so small and transparent as her hands are? I was watching them as she
sat there.'

'But they're capable!' laughed Hester. 'You should hear what her matron
says of her.'

Farrell sighed.

'How much weight has she lost?'

'Not more--as yet--than she can stand. There's an intense life in her--a
spiritual life--that seems to keep her going.'

'Hester--dear Hester--watch over her!'

He put out a hand and grasped his cousin's.

'Yes, you may trust me.'

'Hester!--do you believe there'll ever be any hope for me?'

'It's unkind even to think of it yet,' she said gravely.

He drew himself up, recovering self-control.

'I know--I know. I hope I'm not quite a fool! And indeed it's better
than I thought. She's not going to banish me altogether. When this new
hospital's open--in another month or so--and she's settled there--she
asks me to call upon her. She wants me to go into this man's treatment.'
There was a touch of comedy in the words; but the emotion in his face
was painful to see.

'Good!' said Hester, smiling.

When the guests were gone, Nelly came slowly back to Hester from the
garden gate. Her hands were loosely clasped before her, her eyes on the
ground. When she reached Hester she looked up and Hester saw that her
eyes were full of tears.

'He'll miss her very much,' she said, sadly.

'Cicely?'

'Yes--she's been a great deal more to him lately than she used to be.'

Nelly stood silently looking out over the lake for a while. In her mind
and Hester's there were thoughts which neither could express. Suddenly,
Nelly turned to Hester. Her voice sounded strained and quick. 'I never
told you--on my way here, I went to see Bridget.'

Hester was taken by surprise. After a moment's silence she said--

'Has she ever repented--ever asked your forgiveness?

Nelly shook her head.

'But I think--she would be sorry--if