John was not unmoved by the scene, for even his brave strong heart sent forth a sigh. The parents stood by the bedside looking down upon their unconscious child in her struggle. After a few moments Mr. Jarney turned to John, and whispered: "We will leave you alone with her and her friend, Miss Barton." Then they went out, and the nurse went out. John spoke a word of recognition to Star, and drew a chair up to the bed and sat down, looking meditatively at Edith. "Has she been unconscious since the night I brought her here?" asked John. "Almost all the time," answered Star. "Sometimes she is rational--then she calls for you." "If she should become rational while I am here, and should see me, do you think my being here would have any beneficial effect upon her?" asked John. "That is the opinion of her parents," replied Star. "You appear to be pretty well worn out by your vigil, Miss Barton," said John, turning to her, sitting close by his side. "I have been in this room ever since she took ill, or since you brought her here," answered Star. "Haven't you taken any rest?" asked John, dubious about her statement. "I lie down on the couch there sometimes," pointing to one in the room; "but I cannot sleep." "I fear the trial will be too much for you, Miss Barton." "Oh, it is no trial for me to sit here, where I can see her dear face all the time," responded Star, and then she burst into tears, and John could hardly restrain his own from flowing, through his deep sympathy for her in her simple faith. Just then Edith turned her face toward them, and gazed wildly about with her pretty blue eyes rolling in their sockets. Then she threw one hand over the side of the bed. John lifted it up tenderly, and laid it back in place, and then it was that he became aware of how feverish she was. Edith mumbled something. "She is making an effort to speak your name," said Star, who was now used to her strange fancyings, and could interpret almost any unintelligible word she spoke. Then bending over Edith, she said: "He is here, dear Edith." Edith looked up at Star, with what appeared to be a faint smile. Star took one hand, and held it, patting it lovingly. "Here he is, dear Edith; don't you see him?" she said, as Edith now uttered the name distinctly. Edith paid no heed to Star, but rolled her head and muttered John's name. Then she became calmer, and lay still; arousing herself after a few minutes, and repeating the name again. "He is here, Edith, by your bedside; can't you see?" said Star, bending over her. "Come closer, Mr. Winthrope, that she might see you." John thereat moved nearer to the bed, and leaned over her. "Here is Mr. Winthrope, Edith," said Star, as she placed a hand upon her hot forehead.