lvation, when nearly every
tide had been against him! He experienced a keener sympathy than he
could express; he drew the arm within his, and they paced up and down
again in silence, understanding dimly the sacred mysteries of each
other's hearts, that needed not to be dragged to open day for
inspection. In a pure friendship, faith is the highest element: with
that there is supreme content; without it, distrust gnaws like a
canker-worm.

They heard the little church-clock striking ten, and turned their steps
toward the house. On the porch, Fred paused a moment, while an icy fear
seemed to wring every pulse. He turned cold with apprehension.

"What if I have been deluding myself!" he cried with sudden intensity.
"Even if you and she could not love, she may have no such regard for me
as I desire. I could not endure her pity."

A warm, hopeful, generous smile illumined Jack Darcy's face. His hand
thrilled with an electric force and sympathy.

"I have no fear," he answered; "but I will not dim the grace of your
exquisite joy by any prediction."

They entered the quiet room. Dr. Maverick came out to meet them.

"Miss Sylvie is asleep," he said. "Miss Barry is comparatively
comfortable. Hester will stay with her through the night. I have sent
your mother to bed," nodding to Jack. "I do not know what we should have
done without her. I shall camp down on the sofa, to be within call; and
to-morrow we had better begin the process of removal."

"I had arranged to take my family," remarked Fred Lawrence, not exactly
certain now that it was best.

"Your house must be opened and aired thoroughly, before any one goes
into it. So must Miss Barry's. Miss Morgan will see to this, I think. I
am compelled to return in the early morning train, for I have some
critical cases. One of you had better remain here."

He looked at Jack as he said this, but was amazed at the frank answer,--

"Fred will remain."

He studied Jack with almost angry intentness. Had he been so mistaken in
the man? Could he so calmly leave the woman he loved to bear her
terrible trial alone, or did he think his mother's sympathy sufficient
for her? And, although there were many admirable qualities in Fred
Lawrence, the two had never fraternized with the deep cordiality that
must underlie all friendships. They had not the magnetic attraction for
each other that Darcy held for both.

"What do you think of Miss Barry?" the latter asked hesitatingly.

"It is