"It must be as I say."
Marian was summoned. Hastily drying her eyes, she tried to suppress her strong emotion.
Merwyn feebly reached out his hand to her, and she sat down beside him.
"Do not try to talk," she whispered, taking his hand.
"Yes, I must while I am myself. Dr. Henderson, I love and honor this girl, and would make her my wife should she consent. I may be dying, but if she is willing to stay with me, it seems as if I could live through everything, fever and all. If she is willing and you do not permit her to stay, I want you to know that my blood is on your hands! Marian, are you willing to stay?"
"Yes," she replied; and then, leaning down, she whispered: "I do love you; I have loved you ever since I understood you. Oh, live for my sake! What would life be now without you?"
"Now you shall stay."
"See, doctor, he is quiet while I am with him," she said, pleadingly.
"And only while you are with me. I know I should die if you were sent away."
"She shall stay with you, Mr. Merwyn, if you obey my orders in other respects. I give you my word," said Dr. Henderson.