s'
sweet delights to weld the chain of his affection; but Isabella had
known none of these, and yet she had lived in Love's bondage--bound by
ropes of gossamer. She was roused at last by her friend's voice.

"You will need great courage," Isabella said thoughtfully.

"Why shall I need courage?" the girl asked simply.

When the reply came it was no answer to her question, for the older
woman only repeated the doctor's words--"A little happiness for all
that he has missed."

Philippa made a little quick movement. "Yes! That is just it. He
shall have a little happiness if it is in my power to give it him. You
understand, don't you, Isabella? It is really easy to make him
happy--he asks so little and is so grateful for all that is done. And
he is happy now--really happy, I mean. Oh, I know his happiness is
founded on a mistake, but does that matter? Surely not when you think
of all the years he has passed in misery. I do want him to live long
enough to have the 'little happiness,' just to blot out all that he has
suffered. I am so desperately sorry for him that there is nothing I
would not do to bring some joy into his life, even if it is only very
short."

Isabella nodded. "I understand, but it will need courage. My dear, it
may be easy now. He has found you again--that for the moment is
sufficient; but, will his devotion content him to the end? What if he
asks a question that you cannot answer?"

"I shall answer," replied the girl with quiet firmness. "I promise you
that by no act or word of mine shall he be disappointed. I am going to
carry it through, Isabella. He has had enough of sorrow."

Once again Isabella scanned the girl's face with a quick glance, but
the sweet grey eyes which met hers were full of eager friendly
sympathy--and nothing more.

CHAPTER XV

REVELATION

"God called the nearest angels
Who dwell with Him above.
The tenderest one was Pity,
The dearest one was Love."--WHITTIER.

As Philippa entered Francis' room on the evening of the same day, she
stopped on the threshold with a little cry of surprise. He was
standing in front of the hearth waiting for her.

"Oh," she said, as she moved quickly forward, "take care."

He gave a low laugh of content. "I thought I should surprise you, my
dearest; but I have been an invalid too long."

He put his arm through hers and leaned a little on it, more for the
pleasure of her nearness than for support.

"