love as she had dreamed
of but had never dared to think would be hers; and now, the doctor's
verdict opened to her such a vista of delight for the future that her
mind could hardly grasp it. What matter if Francis were never robust?
would it not be her greatest happiness to guard him and give him all
the care and devotion she could bestow? She asked no more than to be
with him always. It would be her privilege to see that nothing
endangered the health which had in a measure returned to him.

The doctor was walking up and down the room with short, quick steps,
but for a while she did not realise that he was addressing her until
she heard a sentence which arrested her attention.

"The situation is terribly difficult."

"Why is it difficult?" she asked.

"Oh," he answered with obvious irritation, "I know that it was my
doing. It was the only course open to me at the time, and you've acted
nobly. You have been wonderful. But now----" He was silent for a
moment, and then he said half to himself, "I've set a wheel rolling,
and now--I can't see how to stop it, and that's the truth."

But having received his assurance that all was well with the man she
loved, Philippa was far too happy to be in sympathy with his mood.

"What is the matter?" she asked again, lightly. "You seem most
depressed." What she wanted to say was, "For goodness' sake do stop
pulling at your beard or you'll have it out by the roots."

"If I am depressed, you are certainly remarkably cheerful," he retorted
sarcastically, coming to a halt in front of her and regarding her
angrily from under his bushy eyebrows.

"I am exceedingly cheerful; and can you wonder at it after the news you
have just given me?"

"You are either the most wonderful actress, young lady, or----" He
stopped and changed his sentence. "Perhaps you see some way out?"

"Way out? What do you mean?"

"Good God!" he almost shouted at her, "can't you understand? How are
you going to tell him?"

"I am not going to tell him."

"You are not going to tell him? But he is going to live. He isn't
going to die. And what are you going to do when he speaks--of
marriage? He hinted at it just now."

"He has spoken of marriage," said Philippa calmly. She had grown
attached to the doctor and had lost all fear of his rough speech.

"Then you'll have to tell him."

"Oh no. I have promised to marry him as soon as ever he is strong
enough."

"What?" The word came like a pi