but none of them took heed of her presence. Occasionally a clock struck
in the silent house or a cinder fell from the fire, causing them all to
start nervously. But, except for these interruptions, the quiet was
preternatural.

It was with a throb of relief at his heart that Milbanke at last caught
the sound of Gallagher's horse trotting up the avenue, and knew by the
shutting of the hall door that the doctor had entered the house.

He walked into the sick-room a few minutes later, and with a casual nod
to all present, moved at once to the bed.

Bending over Asshlin, he felt his pulse, then glanced significantly at
Milbanke, who had risen on his entrance.

"I think we must inject a stimulant," he said. "The pulse is a little
weak."

With a faint sound of consternation Clodagh stood up.

"Oh, he's not worse?" she said. "Doctor Gallagher, he's not worse?"

Gallagher looked at her, and his expression changed. The distress of a
pretty girl is always difficult to resist.

"No, Miss Asshlin," he said kindly. "No. You see, he has gone through a
lot. We must expect him to be weak."

Clodagh looked relieved, though the alarm still lingered in her eyes.

"Of course," she said. "Yes, of course. Is there anything I can do?"

Gallagher glanced at her again.

"Well," he said quietly, "perhaps you will call the nurse for me?
There's no real need for her, but it is just as well we should have her
on the spot."

Again Clodagh's eyes darkened with apprehension, but she made no
remark. Signalling to Nance to follow her, she left the room.

As the two girls disappeared, Gallagher bent again over Asshlin, making
another rapid examination; then once more he glanced up at Milbanke.

"He may not last the night," he said below his breath. "Molyneaux
expected that it wouldn't be a long business, but we didn't look for
the change so soon as this."

Milbanke did not alter his position.

"You'll stay on, of course?" he said mechanically.

"Yes. Oh yes, I'll stay on!"

As he said the last word Clodagh reappeared.

"The nurse will be here in a minute," she said in a steady voice.

The unrelaxed, monotonous vigil lasted until two o'clock; then, as
Asshlin showed a disposition to rally, the doctor asserted his
authority, and dismissed Mrs. Asshlin, Nance, and Milbanke for a
much-needed rest--Clodagh alone refusing to leave the room.

Though he would not have admitted it, the command came as a boon to
Milbanke. His long an