solemn ceremonial. He stood still as Ruth confronted him at the
head of the stairs, and met her lovely, miserable eyes with a look of
sympathy. She essayed to speak, but succeeded only in gazing at him in
speechless entreaty.

"Yes, I know," he responded to her silent appeal; "you were shocked at
what you heard: it was the asthma that has completely overpowered him.
His illness has made him extremely weak."

"And you think--"

"We must wait till he has rested; the trip was severe for one in his
condition."

"Tell me the truth, please, with no reservations; is there danger?"

Her eager, abrupt questions told clearly what she suffered.

"He has never had any serious illness; if the asthma has not overleaped
itself, we have much to hope for."

The intended consolation conveyed a contrary admission which she
immediately grasped.

"That means--the worst," she said, her clasped fingers speaking the
language of despair. "Oh, Doctor, you who know so much, can't you help
him? Think, think of everything; there must be something! Only do your
best, do your utmost; you will, won't you?"

His deep, grave eyes answered her silently as he took both her little
clasped hands in his one strong one, saying simply,--

"Trust me, but only so far as lies within my human power. He is somewhat
eased, and asks for you. Look at your mother: she is surpassing herself;
if your love for him can achieve one half such a conquest, you will but
be making good your inheritance. I shall be in again at one, and will
send some medicines up at once." He ended in his usual businesslike
tone, and walked hastily downstairs.

There was perfect quiet in the room as Ruth entered. Propped high by
many pillows, Jules Levice lay in his bed; his wife's arm was about him;
his head rested on her bosom; with her one disengaged hand she smoothed
his white hair. Never was the difference between them more marked than
now, when her beautiful face shone above his, which had the touch of the
destroyer already upon it; never was the love between them more marked
than now, when he leaned in his weakness upon her who had never failed
him in all their wedded years.

His eyes were half closed as if in rest; but he heard her enter, and
Mrs. Levice felt the tremor that thrilled him as Ruth approached.

"My child."

The softly whispered love-name of old made her tremble; she smiled
through her tears, but when his feeble arms strove to draw her to him,
she stooped, a