For a few brief moments the throbbing has ceased, and with its cessation, voices and visions have fled away.
Sir Everard stole away to fetch the little fellow, and found him in his nightgown repeating his evening prayer to Virginie. With a few hasty explanations, Sir Everard took him in his arms, and carried him away.
"But, Fardie," said Miles, as they hurried downstairs "I hadn't quite finished; I have not said my hymn."
"Never mind, darling! you shall say it to Humphrey to-night."
He carried him gently into the drawing room, and set him down upon the sofa.
Miles was frightened at the silence and darkness, and nestled up closer to his brother.
"Humphie! Humphie! wake up and give me your hand."
"Don't be frightened, Miles," murmured Humphrey, dreamily: "come close to me, I'll take care of you."
He strove to move to the edge of the sofa, as if he thought his little brother's bed was close up against it, and he threw his feeble arm round Miles in the dear old protecting way.
"We won't talk much to-night, Miles, because I'm so very sleepy. Good-night."