Without waiting to see the effect of her speech Mrs. Moran led the way to Martin's room, and knocked softly on the door. Getting no response she knocked a little louder, and then opened the door.
"Look!" she said. "Poor Julia's asleep. She has not laid down once since he was brought in."
Julia was sitting near Martin's bed, with her head resting on her hand, sound asleep.
"Poor girl! It's time she had some rest," said Kate, and quietly stepping across the room awakened her, but Julia would not leave the room until Mrs. Moran beckoned to her to do so.
Kate quietly took her place. Carden gave her an approving nod, and turning to Mr. Stafford, said:
"There is no use in our going in now. Better come down and wait for the doctor. Meantime we can get something up to Kate."
"Faith, that's sinsible, anyhow!" commented Mrs. Moran. "Come down to the dining-room an' I'll give ye the best in the house."
After the others had gone Kate arose and closed the door. As she returned she heard Martin murmur her name, at the same time stretching forth his hand as though seeking her. On the impulse of the moment she placed her hand in his and this seemed to satisfy him. In a few minutes he sank into a peaceful slumber and his grasp relaxed. Gently placing his hand under the cover Kate picked up a book which Julia had evidently been reading when she feel asleep. As she picked up the book she noticed a letter lying on the table. Truly feminine, she looked to see the address and found it to be for herself.
It was the letter Martin had given O'Brien on the morning of the duel, and he had laid it there to await developments.
Naturally supposing it was about to be mailed to her, Kate was going to open it, when hearing a knock at the door she slipped it into her pocket and went to answer the knock.