He dashed by his sister, and went up the stair three at a time to enter the back drawing-room where he was saluted by a snore from the sofa, and then passed through the folding-doors, his steps inaudible upon the soft carpet. He stood gazing tenderly at the picture he saw in a great mirror of a sweet, sad face resting upon its owner's hand; and his conscience smote him as he saw that the eyes were indeed full of tears. The next moment there was a faint cry of joy, and the face lit up, for he had stolen behind, sunk upon one knee, passed his arm round the slight waist, and was in the act of pressing his lips to those of his betrothed, when there was a gentle cough, and they started apart, to turn and see Laura's head between the nearly closed folding-doors, with a mischievous look in her eyes. "Oh, Bel! For shame!" she whispered merrily. "You don't seem to take poor Aunt Grace's words a bit to heart." "You come in and behave yourself," said the doctor. "Don't you begin making mischief." "I'm not coming in, Fred," said the girl, saucily. "I don't like to see such goings-on. Is that the way people make love?" The doctor sprang up threateningly and made for the doors, but the head disappeared. "She'll never grow into a woman, Bel dear," said the doctor, turning to her. "Oh yes, I shall," came from the door, as the head was thrust in again. "Now I'm going to sit with auntie till she wakes. Go on with your love-making, Daphnis and Chloe. Oh, I shall be so glad when you've both come to your senses again." This time the door closed with a click, and the doctor sank on his knee again by Isabel, and drew her to him fondly. "Been thinking of what poor old aunt said, Bel?" he whispered, as her head sank upon his shoulder. "No, not at all I only wanted you to come." "And you trust me fully?" "Of course, Fred. You know I do." "And always will?" "How can you ask me?" "It is so pleasant to be told that you have the fullest confidence in your husband to be. Tell me you trust me." "It is insulting you, Fred," said the girl gently as she gazed in his eyes. "How could I accept you if I did not know you to be the truest, bravest--Oh, Fred!" "I was obliged to stop those flattering lips," he said. "I'm vain enough of having won my darling, and--Oh, hang it!" "I beg pardon, sir; I did knock," said the servant. "Urgent, sir. A lady in your consulting-room." "All right; down directly," said the doctor, who had started up. "I say, Bel darling, I must be more professional. You mustn't lock me in your dear arms like this without you turn the key. I sha'n't be long." Isabel Lee uttered a low sigh as her betrothed made for the door, and as he passed out there was the sound of voices in the back drawing-room, Aunt Grace having finished her nap. "Who is it, Laury?" "I don't know, aunt dear; something urgent. Smith said a lady." "Another lady? and at this time of night?"