of a gallant lover, it is this sweet,
half-distracted Bessie; and if ever man looked thoroughly fit to fill
all requirements, it is the self-same young major of staff who comes
striding in and grasping the situation with a soldier's glance.

Heaven! How her eyes light and beam at sight of him! How even through
her tears, the flush of hope and joy springs to her cheek. How eagerly,
trustfully, she turns to him, as though knowing all must now be well.

"Oh, papa! here is Mr. Abbot," she exclaims, and says it as though she
felt that nothing more could ever be needed.

He steps between her and the staring eyes of the old gentleman; bends
quickly down over him.

"Yes, doctor. Paul Abbot, whom you thought killed," and he gives him a
significant glance; a glance that warns him to say no word that might
undeceive her. "I have just had news of this extraordinary charge. I've
come to you, quick as legs can carry me, to tell you that you are to lie
perfectly still, and rest this burden with me. Don't stir; don't worry;
don't say one word. I'm going straight to the provost-marshal's to tell
them what I know, and explain away this whole thing. A most
extraordinary piece of scoundrelism is at the bottom of it all, but I am
beginning to understand it, fully. Doctor, will you trust me? Will you
let me try and be Guthrie to you to-night; and promise me to lie still
here until I come back from the provost-marshal's?"

"Do, father!" implores Bessie, bending over him, too.

There is a look of utter bewilderment in the doctor's haggard face, but
he says no word. For a moment he gazes from one to the other, then drops
back upon the pillow, his eyes fixed on Abbot's face.

"I am all unstrung, weak as a child," he murmurs; "I cannot understand;
but do as you will."

There are voices in the hall; the clink of spurs and sabre; and a
cavalry orderly makes his appearance at the door.

"I was to give this to Major Abbot, instantly," he says, saluting and
holding forth an envelope. Abbot takes and tears it open. The message is
brief enough, but full of meaning:

"Your presence necessary here at once to explain the papers found on
Doctor Warren. Looks like a case of mistaken identity."

It is signed by the young officer whom he met on the occasion of his
last visit.

[Illustration: "_A cavalry orderly makes his appearance at the door_"]

"I thought so, doctor!" he says, triumphantly. "They are shaky already,
and send for me to come. D