"Oh, do--please! I've been wondering--I seem to be in another world," said she, dreamily. "To begin with, you have been here several days, much to our delight," he replied, watching the effect of his words. "Indeed!" she exclaimed, blushing with embarrassment; "think of all the trouble I've caused!" "But we haven't been troubled in the least, and we have grown to think of you as our own," said Villard. "I have asked your father to live with us--we are so lonesome in this big house. I love the place, but at times it is so dreary that I lose myself in grief." The eyes of the new Winifred opened wide in sympathy. "You must have had a deep sorrow," said she, in a low voice. "Indeed that is true, but I think I know a road to happiness," he replied, tenderly. "When you grow stronger I will tell you what I mean. But there is something I want to know at once--how did you guess my name?" "Oh--now I remember! I have heard your name--my mother sent me word. She talks to me quite often." "Your mother is dead, is she not?" queried Villard. "Yes, on earth, but now she _lives_ in Heaven!" replied the girl, simply. "Winifred told her to tell me that there would be an accident and that Drury would aid--and--and----" "Oh, please go on, dear girl, and what? Tell me about this second message." Villard's great strength of character proved his mastery over the young woman, who, awed by his commanding voice, had no power to refuse his request. "But it's all so sacred!" she protested. "Yet, if you insist, I feel that I must. Don't think it unwomanly, will you?" she pleaded. "Never--I promise you that, on my sacred honor!" replied Villard, fervently. Then came the story that he had awaited so eagerly--a story not for those who would doubt, or laugh to scorn, but for those who believe in a life to come--the life everlasting. Tears gathered in Winifred's eyes as she began to speak. "My mother came to me Monday night," said she, tremulously. "I was ready to retire at an early hour because of my great happiness concerning my first trip to the big city. I had knelt to say my prayers, when suddenly I heard my mother's voice. Although I have had frequent visits from her I never actually see her. Her voice, which I so dearly love, came into the room and called to me by name, but I could not locate the direction from whence it came. So I bowed my head again, and waited. Shortly she spoke, saying--'There will be an accident, my child, but no real harm will come to you--be not afraid. Tell Drury that his Winifred wants him to marry the person whom he saves from death.' That was all, and of course you are the Mr. Drury, and if you were instrumental in saving a woman from death, your Winifred wants you to marry her."