"Oh no. I have promised to marry him as soon as ever he is strong enough." "What?" The word came like a pistol-shot. "I have promised to marry Francis as soon as ever he is strong enough," she repeated composedly. The doctor dropped into a chair. "No, no," he said huskily. "My dear, it won't do. You have been splendid. I did not think any woman could do what you have done; but--no one could expect this of you--it is too great a sacrifice. Sooner than that I will tell him the whole story. Eh! you're a brave woman, but it has got to stop here." "On the contrary, it is only just beginning. And it is out of your hands now. I cannot let you interfere. Nor can I really let you take any of the responsibility. I made my own choice, and I am going to abide by it, I am going to marry him." The doctor dropped his face into his hands. "You don't know what you are talking about. It is impossible. How can you marry a man you--don't--care for." "No," she replied softly, "I could not marry a man I did not care for; but I love Francis with all my heart--and that makes all the difference, doesn't it?" she ended with a gentle laugh. He rose to his feet, and coming to her, laid a kindly hand upon her shoulder. "You are sure of this?" he asked. "You are sure you are not carried away by your sense of pity?" "I am certain." "He is old enough to be your father--and he will never be strong." "That makes no difference." "He thinks you are----" "That also makes no difference. I love him and I shall make him happy. He need never know." "It will not be easy." "I do not mind. Doctor, do you remember the words you used yourself not so many weeks ago? You said he ought to have 'just a little happiness for all the years he has missed.' Well, he is going to have it." "What will Mrs. Heathcote say?" "I don't know. I have written to tell her that I am engaged to be married to Francis. I think she will be surprised." He shook his head doubtfully. "You know what Francis is to me--but I cannot see this clearly. Above all I desire his happiness, but I can't quite see that this is the right way to get it." "Don't be afraid," said Philippa. "Time will show you that I am right. Anyway, you will give me your promise not to interfere." "I do not see that I can interfere," he said slowly. "You have taken the matter into your own hands." "Promise me," she repeated. "It may be for his happiness; but what about yours?" "I am going to be happy too," she assured him. "Indeed I did not know that life could hold so much happiness, or so great a joy as I have now. Tell me," she added more lightly, "how long do you think we ought to keep the nurse?" "There is no need for her now," he said in his usual professional manner. "Keen can look after him, with you and Mrs. Goodman to do the cosseting. I will get rid of her at the end of the week." "He will be able to come down-stairs soon, and then I shall drive him out in the pony-carriage."