Nora came running in; Mrs. North handed her the medicine glass. "Hysterics," she said. "Give her those drops as soon as you can." "I look to you, doctor, to get us out of this new difficulty," said this lady the next day to Dr. Hotham. "She has taken this fixed idea that she does not wish to leave Belmonte. But the fixed idea of a girl of nineteen ought not to be a trouble to you. Can't you suggest something? Has science no resources for such a case?" [Illustration: "'I MEAN THAT I SHALL SEE HIM VERY SOON NOW'"] Dr. Hotham's resource was to send to Rome for a colleague. The most distinguished English physician in Italy was called to Florence, and there was a consultation at Bellosguardo. When it was over Mrs. North came in to see the great man. His sentences were agreeable; they were also encouraging. After a time he spoke of the varying forms of nervous prostration; then he asked whether this very interesting young lady could have, by any possibility, something weighing upon her mind? "No, nothing," replied the mother. "Ah! In that case time, I trust, is all that is necessary for a complete recovery." "My own idea would be to take her north in spite of her disinclination to go," Mrs. North went on. "A disinclination ought not to be important. The journey would soon be over. She could be kept under the influence of sedatives. But Dr. Hotham will not give his consent." "I agree with him, madam. Do not force her; the effect upon the nervous system might be bad. Let her do whatever she fancies. Amuse her. What a pity there is no Corney Grain in Italy!" "Everything in the way of amusement has been tried. That is why I wish to take her away." "Ah! I understood you to say, I think, that there is no hidden cause, no wish, no mental--ah--err--strain?" "Nothing of any consequence. She is hysterical sometimes; but that is owing to her physical weakness," Mrs. North answered. And she said what she believed. A month later Dorothy, lying on a couch in her room, put out her hand to Nora. "I must give you some of my money, Nora, for your poor people--your orphans and the school and the hospital. I will give it to you to-morrow." "You can help Nora to distribute it," said Mrs. Tracy. "Dear Aunt Charlotte, how you hate to hear me speak of it! But I talk to Nora, you know, just as I please in the night." "No; talk to me, too. Say whatever you like," answered Mrs. Tracy, quickly. [Illustration: BELMONTE]