She smiled faintly, and pressed her hand to her heart.

"Yes, I will soon be better," she said, in a strange tone. "Willard, where is Sibyl?"

"With her brother, dearest."

"Have you told her all?"

"No, Christie, I have explained nothing."

"Send for her, then; for her brother, too, and Mr. Brantwell. I want to tell them all, and get Sibyl's forgiveness before I—"

"Before you—what?"

"Nothing, dearest Willard, Have you sent?"

A servant entered, and the message was delivered.

"But she has nothing to forgive you, Christie; you never wronged her."