Soon the worthy vicar and his wife, who have thus far been only spectators of the scene, draw near to bless and welcome their niece.
'She will faint again,' whispers Gladys to Owen.
'She is happy now,' replies Owen, looking into Gladys' tearful eyes from his own, equally dimmed with tears. It is the first time he has seen that face since he has known that Gladys loves him.
But Gladys is right—happiness is too overpowering for Netta. She faints in the midst of all those dear ones, so kind and loving.
Again Gladys is at her side to revive her, which she is able to do more quickly than before. When she is better, Gladys raises her pillows, and places her in a more comfortable posture. By degrees every one is conscious that Gladys is present.
'Dear Gladys!' says Netta, 'I am better now; quite—quite well, father!'
'Drink this first,' says Gladys, giving her some wine and water that Owen has brought.
She drinks the wine and water, and again calls her father
'I brought Gladys, father; I cannot do without her. She has saved my life, I think, and mother's, so Owen told me—didn't you, Owen? May she stay with me, father?'
Netta presses her hand to her head, and looks at her father with those bewildered eyes, which are only too sadly irresistible.