into hospital to have the bullet extracted, which had never been done.
I did send you a letter from there, which you ought to have had, but an
accident happened to some mail bags about that time; they got burnt,
and I can only conclude yours must have been amongst them.'

'And were you very ill in hospital?'

'I had rather a bad time of it. If I had been able to have a proper
doctor at the time, it would have saved me a good deal. As it is, my
right lung has been injured, and I shall have to be careful for a long
time.'

'I feel as if I can never forgive that cousin of yours, never! Oh!
Philip, why were you so good to him?' And unnerved by the account he
had given me, I burst into tears.

'It has been too much for you to-night, childie,' and Philip drew me
closer to him. 'You will feel differently towards him to-morrow. I
have told you all, for you have a right to know, and I found I was
obliged to tell your guardian; but I did it in the strictest
confidence, and I know he will respect my wishes about it. Others need
not know particulars, and you must try to forget it. Now to come to
the subject that will concern us much more closely. This has made a
difference in my prospects. I have not gone thoroughly into my affairs
yet, but I see nothing for it but to let Cobham for a few years. I
will not go into debt, neither will I mortgage it, and I cannot now
afford to keep the place up as it should be. I think eventually I
shall be able to go back to it, but not at present. Will you be
content with a small house somewhere near town, while I follow my
literary pursuits, as much now for gain as formerly for pleasure?'

'Why do you ask me such a question? you know how satisfied I shall be.'

'The general is not. He is very distressed about it, and then there is
another objection now--my health.' He stopped, and his face looked
grave and worn in the', dusky twilight. I stood still and faced him, a
dreadful fear taking possession of me.

'Philip, tell me truly, is your life in danger? are the doctors afraid
of anything serious?'

He took my hands in both his, as he answered, 'There is nothing to be
anxious about, my darling, at present. I shall need care and nursing,
perhaps. They give me hope that time will outgrow the mischief, but
perhaps it may shorten my life. I tell you this because I want you to
see what is before us. I have no right to expect you to link your life
with mine under these circum