But
he did not hear his child's plaintive words, as she spoke to the doctor.

"Pray--pray tell me!" she whispered: "Is he in danger?"

"Danger? Well, yes, of course he is," said the doctor, taking her in
his arms and kissing her as he would one of his own children. "But
there, bless your bright little face, go in, and don't fidget and make
those eyes dull with crying, and I'll cure him right off for you. Now,
Captain Norton," he continued, lightly--"slow march for the horses--two
miles an hour--with the windows all down, and I must ride inside."

Brace fainted as the carriage-door was closed, but it was with the sense
of his hand being kissed by two soft, warm lips, ere all became misty
and confused; and then it was that Dr Challen's light, flippant manner
gave place to a quiet, serious aspect, as he plied restoratives, and
prepared for the battle that his experience told him was imminent.

It was a long and fierce fight, but youth, with hope shining now in upon
the young man's heart, prevailed; and though no encouraging letter from
Isa--no communication came from the Castle but a formal inquiry or two
made on the part of Sir Murray--Brace daily grew stronger, telling
himself that he would yet, perhaps, see the day when all would be made
plain. There was a feeling of exultation that came upon the young man,
when he saw the proud, happy bearing that seemed to have come upon his
father? and more than once there was a fond blessing from her who had
held faith when all the world disbelieved. This exultation did more
than all Dr Challen's medicaments, but the doctor took to himself the
credit, all the same.

Brace's ship sailed without him, and he could not but rejoice at the
time afforded him for further investigation, while he prayed earnestly
that accident might again favour him, though at times his heart sank, as
rumours came of the state of affairs at the Castle. For though he had
dismissed them as impossible, utterly refusing them credence, at times
charging Sir Murray Gernon with subterfuge, at others giving him the
credit of believing the words he had whispered, they began now, as he
approached convalescence, to make a deep and lasting impression upon
him. He had not seen her--he had not heard from her, and the gap
between the families seemed almost to have widened since the discovery
of the cross; but there was no Lord Maudlaine at the Castle now: he had
taken his departure, and Brace was hopeful that i