a moment, "Oh, Mary, am I dying? I
believe I am. But--he--wouldn't let me die."

Mrs. Ralston's hand closed comfortingly upon hers. "You're quite safe,
dearest," she said. "Don't be afraid!"

"But it's so dreadfully dark," Stella said restlessly. "I shouldn't mind
if I could see the way. But I can't--I can't."

"Be patient, darling!" said Mrs. Ralston very tenderly. "It will be
lighter presently."

It was growing very late. She herself was listening for every sound,
hoping against hope to hear the firm quiet step of the man who alone
could still her charge's growing distress.

"It would be so dreadful to miss him," moaned Stella. "I have waited so
long. Mary, why don't they light a lamp?"

A shaded lamp was burning on the table by the bed. Mrs. Ralston turned
and lifted the shade. But Stella shook her head with a weary discontent.

"That doesn't help. It's in the desert that I mean--so that he shan't
miss me when he comes."

"He cannot miss you, darling," Mrs. Ralston assured her; but in her own
heart she doubted. For the doctor had told her that he did not think she
would live through the night.

Again she strained her ears to listen. She had certainly heard a sound
outside the door; but it might be only Peter who, she knew, crouched
there, alert for any service.

It was Peter; but it was not Peter only, for even as she listened, the
handle of the door turned softly and someone entered. She looked up
eagerly and saw the doctor.

He was a thin, grey man for whom she entertained privately a certain
feeling of contempt. She was so sure her own husband would have somehow
managed the case better. He came to the bedside, and looked at Stella,
looked closely; then turned to her friend watching beside her.

"I wonder if it would disturb her to see her husband for a moment," he
said.

Mrs. Ralston suppressed a start with difficulty. "Is he here?" she
whispered.

"Just arrived," he murmured back, and turned again to look at Stella who
lay motionless with closed eyes, scarcely seeming to breathe.

Mrs. Ralston's whisper smote the silence, and it was the doctor's turn
to start. "Send him in at once!" she said.

So insistent was her command that he stood up as if he had been prodded
into action. Mrs. Ralston was on her feet. She waved an urgent hand.

"Go and get him!" she ordered almost fiercely. "It's the only chance
left. Go and fetch him!"

He looked at her doubtfully for a second, then, impelled by an au