Edith turned her head, and sighed. Her eyes ceased their starey look. She became calmer; sighed again. Then, without assistance, she raised herself up, and her long hair fell over her shoulders. In her illness now, John thought she was prettier than before when he saw her in her best of health. As she arose, Star caught her by the shoulders, and made an attempt to lay her down on her pillow again; but Edith shook her off, with her fever-strength supreme in her. She then crossed her hands before her, bent her head forward; then threw it backward, and gazed across the room to the farther wall, like one staring into the infinitude of time in its blankness. John sat watching her, moved to piteous supplication for this fair young lady in her distress of mind. "Star," said Edith, turning upon Miss Barton, in a strange clear voice, "have you seen Mr. Winthrope?" "Here he is, dear Edith," replied Star, stroking her hair. "Here by your bed; don't you see him?" "That is not Mr. Winthrope," she answered, in the same strange tone. "No, no, dear Edith; he is here--Mr. Winthrope look into her face?" said Star, turning to John, whose head was bowed under the weight of the impression that this girl's ravings made on him. John obeyed Star's request, and looked Edith in the face. Edith then put out a hand, and touched that of his; then fell back, burying her head in her soft pillow, with her hands over her face. "She knows you," whispered Star. "Shall I retire?" asked John, believing that the crisis had been reached. "Oh, not yet," answered Star. Then leaning over Edith again, said: "Edith, do you want to see Mr. Winthrope again before he goes?" Edith reached out a hand toward him, turned her head, and let her eyes move slowly in his direction. Then she laid her hand upon his. He picked it up, and she permitted him to hold it. "Mr. Winthrope?" she said. "I am he," he replied. She smiled, and her eyes became less roving. "I am better," she whispered. "Edith, I knew you would be better as soon as he came," said Star, kissing her. "Are you not glad, Mr. Winthrope?" asked Star of him. "Very, very," he responded. He touched his lips to her fevered hand; and how it thrilled him. "Now, you may retire, if you wish," said Star. "Will you come again?" said Edith, in a very low voice; "often; often?" "If I am permitted," replied John, releasing her hand, and rising. "You have my permission," whispered Edith, feebly attempting to smile. "Oh, I am so weak, I am afraid it will be such a long time before I can leave this bed." Turning to Star, she said: "Have mamma keep him for dinner, if it is near that time--or breakfast, or lunch." "He will remain," answered Star. "You will come in before you go--you will come again, Mr. Winthrope?" asked Edith, faintly. "By your father's permission," he answered, smiling down upon her. "He will permit you," said Edith. "Good bye," said John, taking Edith's hand again.