It was a week after the sailing date of The Albatross when Doctor Fox came into the dining-room just as dinner was being served, to say:
"Somebody might go up-stairs now and allow Julia to come down, for I shall need her again by-and-by," looking straight at Martin, who instantly arose and left the room.
It had been an anxious week at Hanley Hall, and at times Doctor Fox despaired of saving the life of the patient.
"She will get along all right now," continued the doctor after Martin left the room. "The fever has gone, and time and care will, I believe, do the rest."
There was general rejoicing over this glad intelligence, but the doctor forbade any undue excitement—"for a day or two."
Meantime Martin had reached Kate's room, and was admitted by Julia. Kate turned her head on hearing him enter, and smiled as he approached and took her hand.
"You came back on my account," she said.
"Yes," he answered, "but——"
"And you will not go away to that place?" she interrupted.
He wanted to tell her that he was now a poor man and could not afford to act as he wished, but he had been warned of the result of argument. She was very weak, and spoke scarcely above a whisper, but in her weakness lay her strength, and he hesitated and she understood him. Her hand still lay in his, and with a gentle pressure she drew him nearer to catch her whisper: