"I don't see the abyss in that case," said Mr. Linden,—"but
——'Uriel to his charge
Returned on that bright beam'—
so probably he did."
"Yes"—said the doctor.—"And my meaning skipped the abyss,—also on a sunbeam. It referred to the unsubstantial means of travelling in use among metaphysicians."
"And among angels."
"That reminds me," said the doctor. And quitting his stand on the rug, which he had taken again, he went over to Faith and sat down by her.
"Is the Nightingale flourishing on her rose-bush to-day?"
"What, sir?" said Faith, her eyes opening at him a little.
"I beg pardon!" said the doctor. "I have been living in a part of the world, Miss Derrick, where it is the fashion to call things not by their right names. I have got a foolish habit of it. Do you feel quite recovered?"
"Quite. I'm a little tired to-night, perhaps."