ve any anxiety; I will look after everything. As soon as
it is daylight it would be well to telegraph for Mr. Britton if you know
his address, and possibly for Miss Underwood unless he should seem
decidedly better."

But Mrs. Dean did not know Mr. Britton's address, no word having been
received from him since his departure, and with the return of daylight
Mr. Underwood had gained so perceptibly it was thought best not to alarm
Kate unnecessarily.

For the first few days the improvement in Mr. Underwood's condition was
slow, but gradually became quite pronounced. Nothing had been heard from
Walcott since his sudden leave-taking, but about a week after Mr.
Underwood's seizure word was received from him that he was on his way
home. As an excuse for his prolonged absence and silence he stated that
his father had died and that he had been delayed in the adjustment of
business matters.

It was noticeable that after receiving word from Walcott the look of
anxiety in Mr. Underwood's face deepened, but his improvement was more
marked than ever. It seemed as though the powerful brain and
indomitable will dominated the body, forcing it to resume its former
activity. By this time he was able to move about his room on crutches,
and on the day of Walcott's return he insisted upon being placed in his
carriage and taken to the office. At his request Darrell accompanied him
and remained with him.

Walcott, upon his arrival in the city, had heard of the illness of his
senior partner, and was therefore greatly surprised on entering the
offices to find him there. He quickly recovered himself and greeted Mr.
Underwood with expressions of profound sympathy. To his words of
condolence, however, Mr. Underwood deigned no reply, but his keen eyes
bent a searching look upon the face of the younger man, under which the
latter quailed visibly; then, without any preliminaries or any inquiries
regarding his absence, Mr. Underwood at once proceeded to business
affairs.

His stay at the office was brief, as he soon found himself growing
fatigued. As he was leaving Walcott inquired politely for Mrs. Dean,
then with great particularity for Miss Underwood.

"She is out of town at present," Mr. Underwood replied, watching
Walcott.

"Out of town? Indeed! Since when, may I inquire?"

"You evidently have not been in correspondence with her," Mr. Underwood
commented, ignoring the other's question.

"Well, no," the latter stammered, slightly taken a