"She knows you are here, and is expecting you. Will you go up now?" asked Star. "If it is her pleasure, and your wish, I shall go with you," replied John. Together Star and John repaired to Edith's room, Star entering first and John following. Edith lay in her night clothes, with the covers drawn up well around her throat, her two white hands reposing on the white spread. She had expected him for the last two hours, and began to be weary over the long waiting. So when the door opened and Star entered, she turned her head in time to catch him coming in the door; then as quickly turned it away, in an attempt to stop the fluttering of her heart. When he approached her bedside, she extended to him a hand, which he took, as he sat down on a chair by her side. "Mr. Winthrope," she said, very low, "I am glad to see you." John saw that her mind was with her now, and he should act accordingly. The appalling look of illness was in her face yet, the appealing smile of hope was in her eyes. He was overcome again. Oh, for that hour of health for her, when the raptures of a true soul answers to the responsive note! "You look so much better, Miss Jarney," said John, the moment of his recovery over her glad greeting, "than when I saw you last." "Do I; really, Mr. Winthrope?" she asked, with her eyes illuminating. "Surely, you are better; I can hope so anyway." "I was better for some time after you left in March; but lately I have been gradually growing worse, till now I am in bed again, as you see." "I plainly see," he said jocularly; "but, if you would get out of here and into the country somewhere, and get the fresh air and open doors, I am sure you would improve rapidly?" "Do you think so?" she asked, withdrawing her hand and folding them both together, as she turned on her side, facing him. "Why, nothing would be better," he answered. "I am going away tomorrow," she said decisively. "Tomorrow! So soon, and you in bed yet?" he exclaimed. "My papa insists that I shall have a change of environment at once." "Can you go? Where will they take you?" "To the mountains--up somewhere where you live." "That should make a very enjoyable journey for you, and you should be benefitted," he said, cheerfully. "I am going home in June, and I shall hope to find you improved in health by that time. May I anticipate the pleasure of calling to inquire about your health, Miss Jarney?" "The pleasure will be mine as well as yours, Mr. Winthrope." "Then I may call some day?" "You may, if--" and Edith offered up the daintiest little smile to meet his glowing looks--"if you will take me and Star to see your mountain home." "Oh, I shall be glad to do that. I have got the nicest little sister and the finest big brother you ever saw, and my mother will cook you such a rare dinner that I know you will recover soon after eating of it." "My! I can scarcely wait the time, Mr. Winthrope. I can already taste that dinner. When will you be there?"