At this juncture Serena Effingham turned to Drummond and flung her arms about his neck.
"My darling boy," she murmured, gently; "for you are that, and ever will be to me. You are worn out with fatigue and excitement. The shock of finding Romaine so ill, after your long and hopeful journey, has completely unhinged you. But I sympathize with you. Remember, that my love for her is akin to yours, and remember, too, that God is good; and I believe that, if we pray unceasingly, He in His mercy will give her back to us, sane and whole again."
He stooped and kissed her up-turned forehead, as he replied,
"God bless you, dear mother. I would that my faith were such as yours!"
Then, releasing himself from the lady's embrace, he rose, adding,
"I am going to breakfast with my mother at Drummond Lodge. Meanwhile, watch Romaine! I shall return later in the day and shall depend upon an interview with her."
"Which I may almost promise shall be granted you."
The voice that uttered these unexpected words was low of pitch yet startlingly sonorous; indeed, so unprepared were the trio for the sudden intrusion, that they were quite thrown off their guard, and turned about in some disarray.
Doctor Loyd Morton proved to be the intruder. He stood upon the threshold of the apartment, parting the drapery with one outstretched hand, while the extreme pallor of his countenance, the firmness of his glance, as well as his pronounced dignity of mien, failed not to impress his beholders.
Divining that the situation threatened to become strained, Mrs. Effingham remarked quickly,