ount of risk; and it is never worth
while to weep over the might-have-beens, or how could one be happy
at all?" he said lightly.

"I know it was foolish, but the horror of it broke me down; and
then I was wondering whatever I should do if Father were to be ill,
so far away from doctors, nurses, and comforts of any sort," she
replied, with a shiver.

"I don't think he will be ill. He is sleeping as peacefully as an
infant, his pulse is steady, and his heart quiet. He may be a
little languid when he wakes, in which case we will keep him in bed
for a day or two. Remember, I am three parts a doctor, and you can
be wholly a nurse."

"I have had no experience," she faltered.

"That is only gained by practice," he answered. Then, looking at
the partly-set meal on the table, he asked: "What have you had to
eat to-day?"

"Not much," she answered in a dreary tone. "There were cold fish
and coffee for breakfast. I had two biscuits for luncheon, but
that was all."

"You are within seeing distance of starving, I should say, and that
is why your courage has turned to water," he said; and, going out
to the kitchen, he roused the fire again, refilled the kettle,
which had boiled itself dry, and when it boiled again made her a
good cup of tea, at the same time insisting on her making a solid
meal.

"Oh, I feel pounds better now!" she exclaimed, when he came back
from another visit to Mr. Selincourt, who still lay peacefully
sleeping.

"Let it be a warning to you in future not to neglect yourself at
critical moments," he replied; then asked: "What would you like me
to do for you? Shall I stay with Mr. Selincourt to-night? I do
not think he needs watching in the least, but if this will be a
comfort to you, I will remain with pleasure."

"It is very kind of you, and I accept thankfully," she said, with
such bounding relief at her heart that the whole of her outlook
changed at once. It was the responsibility she dreaded so much,
and when that was lifted from her shoulders she could be happy
again. "Can you remain now, or must you go back to Seal Cove
first?" she asked.

"I will stay now if you like, only I must trouble you to let me
send one of your boatmen down to Seal Cove, with a letter of
instruction for any of the boats which may arrive in with a cargo
before I can be there to have the shed opened," he said.

"One of the men shall go, certainly. But while you are writing
your letter may I take the boat and