"Speak to him; perhaps he will realize you are here," said Mrs. Gurney.
The doctor placed a chair by the bedside for her, then stood by the foot of the bed, watching.
"I never meant it, Dexie; I would not throw you over for worlds; forgive me."
Dexie knew that the memory of the scene on the roof was troubling his mind, and the anguish depicted on Hugh's face brought such a lump into her throat that she could not speak a word.
"Come back into the boat with me; I'll promise to take you home," he cried.
The doctor eyed Dexie sternly.
"Speak to him," he said, sharply.
"I am here, Mr. McNeil. I have come back safe and well. Try to sleep."
Her voice seemed to pierce the troubled brain, and his face lost much of its troubled look.
"Sing something, Dexie," said Mrs. Gurney, "and perhaps he will sleep. He has not been quiet since they brought him home," and, bending down, said softly, "Try, Dexie. I know it is hard for you, but if he will sleep it will be almost the saving of him. You will do this for me, I know."