eing such as she had
never known before, a feeling of complete security and rest. The house
was very quiet, and through the curtained window there came to her the
soft, slumberous splash of the waves.

She lay very still, listening to the soothing murmur, gradually focusing
her mind again after its long oblivion. The memory of the previous night
and of the coming of the dawn came back to her, and with it the thought
of Isabel; but without grief and without regret. They had left her on the
mountain-top, and she knew that all must be well.

A great peace seemed to have fallen like a veil upon the whole house.
Surely no one could be mourning over that glad release! She saw again the
flashing of those free wings in the dawn-light, and her heart thrilled
afresh. She remembered too the close, strong clasp of Scott's hand as
he had watched with her.

Where was Scott now? The wonder darted suddenly through her brain, and
with it, swift as a flying cloud-shadow, came the want of him, the
longing for the quiet voice, the quivering delight of his near presence.
She half-raised herself, and then, caught by another thought, sank down
again to hide her burning face in the pillow. It would be a little
difficult to meet him again. On the old easy terms of friendship it
could not be, and they had hardly begun to be lovers yet. He--had not
even--kissed her!

Another thought came to her--of an even more disturbing nature. Save for
old Biddy and the nurse, she was alone with the two brothers now. Would
they--would they insist upon sending her home until--until Scott was
ready to come and take her away? Oh, surely--surely Scott would never ask
that of her!

Nevertheless the thought tormented her. She did not see any way out of
the difficulty, and she was terribly afraid that Scott would be equally
at a loss.

"I don't think I could bear it," she whispered to herself. "And yet--if
he says so--if he says so--I suppose I must. I couldn't refuse--if he
said so."

The soft opening of the door recalled her to the immediate present. She
saw old Biddy's face with its watchful, guardian look peep stealthily in
upon her.

"Ah, mavourneen!" she whispered fondly, coming forward. "And is it awake
ye are? I've peeped round at ye this five times, and ye were sleeping
like a new-born babe. Lie still, darlint, while I fetch ye a cup o' tay
then!"

She was gone with the words, but in a very little she was back again with
her own especial brew. S