e in tone might perhaps be owing to the skipper's
attention having been called by a sign from one of his men to a boat
coming up from Woolwich, rowed by men of the Royal navy, who were
certain to take part with an officer; but Sir Amyas and Betty were only
intent on receiving the inanimate form wrapped up in its mantle. What a
meeting it was for Betty, and yet what joy to have her at all! They
laid her with her head in her sister's lap, and Sir Amyas hung over her,
clasping one of the limp gloved hands, while Eugene called "Aura, Aura,"
and would have impetuously kissed her awake, but Loveday caught hold of
him. "Do not, do not, for pity's sake, little master," she said; "the
potion will do her no harm if you let her sleep it off, but she may not
know you if you waken her before the time."

"Wretch, what have you given her?" cried Sir Amyas.

"It was not me, sir, it was Mrs. Darke, in a cup of coffee. She vowed
it would do no hurt if only she was let to sleep six or eight hours. And
see what a misery it has saved her from!"

"That is true," said Betty. "Indeed I believe this is a healthy sleep.
See how gently she breathes, how soft and natural her colour is, how
cool and fresh her cheek is. I cannot believe there is serious harm
done."

"How soon can we reach a physician?" asked Sir Amyas, still anxiously,
of the coxswain.

"I can't rightly say, sir," replied he; "but never you fear. They
wouldn't do aught to damage such as she."

Patience must perforce be exercised as, now against the tide and the
stream, the wherry worked its way back. Once there was a little stir;
Sir Amyas instantly hovered over Aurelia, and clasped her hand with a
cry of "My dearest life!" The long dark eyelashes slowly rose, the eyes
looked up for one moment from his face to her sister's, and then to her
brother's, but the lids sank as if weighed down, and with a murmur,
"Oh, don't wake me," she turned her face around on Betty's lap and slept
again.

"Poor darling, she thinks it a dream," said Betty. "Eugene, do not. Sir,
I entreat! Brother, yes I _will_ call you so if you will only let her
alone! See how happy and peaceful her dear face is! Do not rouse her
into terror and bewilderment."

"If I only were sure she was safe," he sighed, hanging over, with an
intensity of affection and anxiety that brought a dew even to the old
steersman's eyes; and he kindly engrossed Eugene by telling about the
places they passed, and setting him to watc