"Yes, he does," replied Lucilla, "and I want your help in a task he has set me--the endeavor to keep them from being alone together." "I'll do so with pleasure," laughed Evelyn, "and I think probably it would be just as well to take Grace herself into the plot, for I'm very sure she doesn't care a pin for Frank, but dotes upon her father." CHAPTER XV. The ladies of the Torriswood party retired for the night almost immediately on their arrival there, but the gentlemen lingered a little in the room used by Dr. Percival as his office. There was some cheerful chat over the events of the day in which, however, Frank Dinsmore took no part. He sat in moody silence, seeming scarcely to hear what the others were saying. "What's the matter with you, Frank?" queried the doctor at length. "Didn't things go off to suit you to-day?" "Well enough," grumbled Frank, "except that I don't seem to be considered as worthy as my brother is of being taken into--a certain family really no better than my own, unless as regards wealth." "Oh, ho! so that's the way the land lies! It's Grace Raymond you're after, eh? And she won't consent?" "Her father won't. I must not say a word to her on the subject." "And he is right, Frank," returned the doctor gravely. "She is far too young and too delicate to begin with such things. Art would tell you that in a moment if you should ask him. My opinion as a physician is that marriage now would be likely to kill her within a year; or, if she lived, make her an invalid for life." "I'd be willing to let marriage wait if I might only speak and win her promise; but no, I'm positively forbidden to say a word." "You would gain nothing by it if you did," said Chester. "She is devoted to her father and hasn't the least idea of falling in love with any other man." "Ridiculous!" growled Frank. "Well, things being as they are, I'll not tarry long in this part of the country. I'll go back and attend to the business of our clients, and you, Chester, can stay on here with your fiancee and her family, and perhaps gather up a larger amount of health and strength." "Don't be in a hurry about leaving us, Frank," said Dick cordially. "Maud has been calculating on at least a few days more of your good company; and there's no telling when you may find it convenient to pay us another visit." "Thanks, Dick; you are hospitality itself; and this is a lovely home you have secured, for yourself and Maud. I'll sleep on the question of the time of departure. And now good-night and pleasant dreams. I hope none of your patients will call you out before sunrise." And with that they separated, each to seek his own sleeping apartment. For some hours all was darkness and silence within and without the house. Then the doctor was awakened by the ringing of his night bell. "What is wanted?" he asked, going to the open window.