With cautious steps he mounted the winding stairs, and sought the room where Guly lay. The moment he approached the bedside, the boy started from his restless pillow.
"Arthur, is it you?"
"It is me, Guly," returned Wilkins, in a low voice.
"You! and you come without him?"
"I come alone, Guly."
"And has anything happened—oh! do not keep it from me! Is Arthur hurt? What brings you here, Wilkins, if it is not that?"
"I came here, Guly, with my own troubled heart, to look upon you as you slept, and to go away happier. I have no news, either good or bad, of poor Arthur."
Guly was silent a moment, then taking Wilkins' hand, he said:—
"I cannot tell you how much I thank you for the long and dreary walk you have taken for my sake. Some day I hope to be able to repay your kindness."