The attendant went out and was soon succeeded by the sister.

"My friends wish to take me away, and I feel quite able to go with them—in a carriage. Will you please find the doctor and ask him?" inquired Mrs. Stillwater.

The sister smiled assent and went out.

Soon the venerable man entered the room.

"I hope I find you better, my child," he said, coming to the easy chair in which sat and reclined the patient.

"Very much better, thank you, sir; so much that I feel quite able to go out with my friends, if I may."

"Certainly, my child, if you like."

"I hope I have not detained you from your friends," said Rose.

"No. I left the dean in conversation with an English patient from his old parish. It was an accidental meeting, but a most interesting one."

"Does—the dean—contemplate a long stay in the city?" Rose forced herself to ask.