girl!"

She turned and stood up.

"Anthony--oh, Anthony, I have come back--to you."

CHAPTER XXIII

THE PROCESSION OF PRETTY LADIES

For days the procession of pretty ladies kept Justin company. Then they
floated away on the rolling mists, and he found real faces bending over
him,--the nurse's with its fresh comeliness, and Anthony's with a light
on it which transfigured it.

One morning when he waked a white rose lay on his pillow.

"Did you put it there, nurse?"

"No. Miss Dolce came."

On Anthony's next visit Justin asked: "Why didn't you let me see her?"

"She sees you every day. Just a peep in at your door. But always when
you are asleep."

"But why not when I am awake?"

"It would tire you too much, dear boy."

"Only let me look at her."

So at last Bettina stood beside him, very pale, but with her eyes
shining.

Justin could not lift his hurt hands to touch her, so she bent down and
laid her cheek against his, and whispered, "When you are well, we are
going to be--married."

"I know--sweetheart."

"And--may I have the little silver ring for my wedding ring, Justin?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

She was not white now, but all rosy with blushes. As she again bent over
him he felt the thrilling power of her youth and beauty. Her presence
was like wine, reviving him. Her words were a loving cup held to his
lips.

"Oh, my Betty, help me to live," he whispered, weakly.

"Hush; oh, my poor, poor boy."

In the weeks that followed it seemed as if only love were holding Justin
back from death. There were days when Bettina was not allowed to see
him; there were other days when Anthony dared not tell her the fears
which assailed him, when he avoided all of her questions, confiding only
in Diana.

"There's an awful chance that he will never walk."

Diana, very pale, asked, "Is it his spine?"

"Yes."

"And he was so strong and beautiful."

"He will never fly again, Diana."

"Oh, poor Justin!"

"And poor Betty. I wonder if, when all the first glamour is gone, she
will be able to stand the test."

"I am sure she will. She has been so brave."

"If I know Justin, he won't let her marry him when he learns the truth."

"Oh, Anthony!"

"I haven't given up hope, however. His wonderful vitality and perfect
health may bring about that which now seems impossible."

Bettina, since she could not minister to Justin, spent the days in
ministering to others. In the great workshop where men and w