er, before going back to her
brother. From the first, she had been sure, from the doctor's manner,
that he had felt alarmed about Ned; but, in her present mood, she was
grateful to him for his assumed carelessness, and she appreciated the
kindness with which he was giving up the evening to her needs. Some
sudden girlish regret made her snatch up the roses and bury her face in
them, as two great tears rolled down her cheeks; then she quickly untied
the flowers and put them back into the bowl, all but one, which she
fastened in her gown, to be her companion and comfort in her long,
anxious evening.

Early the next morning Dr. Brownlee was there again; and for the next
week he was constant in his attendance, for the boy was very, very ill.
Day after day the fever had increased, until it seemed as if the young,
strong life must yield to its power. Now he lay in a heavy stupor, now
he muttered and laughed to himself in wild delirium; but each night
found him a little weaker than he had been the night before, and each
morning brought from the doctor's lips the same sad verdict, "No
better." During all these long days, Louise had scarcely left the room,
but watched over him, night and day, with a fierceness of devotion which
resented any interference.

"He's mine, I tell you," she said, turning on the doctor, who was trying
to coax her from the room. "He's my brother and my favorite--oh, why
can't you understand? He keeps calling me, when he doesn't know anybody
else; and what if he should come to himself and want me, and I shouldn't
be there? Let me stay with him while I can, for it may not be so very
long--Oh, my Ned!" And brushing away the hot tears, she turned and went
back to her old place.

Two days later the doctor slowly went up the steps to the door. His
heart was heavy with dread, for he knew that the crisis was at hand, and
he felt that the issue was more than doubtful. Without ringing the bell
for Wang Kum to admit him, he entered the house, and went directly to
Ned's room. He was in there for a long time; then he left Mr. Everett
and Mrs. Pennypoker with the boy, and came out into the hall again. As
he passed the parlor door, he paused for a moment; then he pushed it
open, and went into the room. Beside the table sat Louise, with her head
resting upon her folded arms, so still that he thought she must have
fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion. But, as she heard his step she
raised her head to speak to him, and h