"Yes, he is very anxious to speak with you both before he is left in Dr. Bario's hands."
"You are hopeful of good results?" asked Harriet.
"Yes—very hopeful—are not you?" he asked curiously.
"No—I fear the worst."
"You have not considered the matter, Miss Wesden—this has come upon you with the shock of a surprise, and hence the feeling that distresses you. But I say he shall get better—we have all determined to make an extraordinary case of him."
"Hush, sir!—he is in God's hands, not yours," said Harriet.
"I beg pardon—of course."
Maurice withdrew, a little downcast at Harriet's reproof; he had assumed an over-cheerful air to set them at their ease, and they had not understood him. They fancied that he was not anxious, when he felt all a brother's suspense. He had been with Sidney day and night; he had studied Sid's wishes, sought to keep him cheerful, read to him, had wound himself into Sid's heart, and by the act enlarged his own and purified it. The cousins understood each other; all the past had been atoned for now; there was no element of bitterness in the forgiveness which Maurice had sought and Sidney granted.
Maurice was called away, and presently returned with the Italian doctor, to whom he introduced Miss Wesden.
"What is there to fear, sir?" was Harriet's first question.