'Be calm, dear Netta; I will do nothing you dislike. If Howel comes back I will go away directly. I will be most careful of what I say. You need not fear me, Netta,--your brother who loves you so dearly' 'You won't go away again, uncle, will you?' said the pale, little Minette, climbing on Rowland's knee and nestling her head in his bosom; 'or will you take mamma and me away from this nasty place?' 'No, dear, Uncle Rowland will not leave you, he is so very glad to find you.' Tears, actual tears, filled Rowland's eyes as he kissed the brow of the child, who was soon fast asleep in his arms, and as he held Netta's thin hand and looked at her bewildered face. 'Did you say you loved me, Rowland?' asked Netta, looking at him with a strange, wandering glance, whilst large tears rolled down her cheeks. 'I don't think I deserve any one's love, do I? Is mother vexed that I have been away so long?' 'Yes, dear, and you must come home at once. You must come to me first to get strong, and then--' 'Hush! hush! No, I cannot leave this house,--I will not; never, never till Howel comes or sends for me. Isn't that some one on the stairs?' 'I will see, dear.' 'No, not you,--not you.' 'It is some one gone to the next floor. Lie still, dear Netta.' 'It is nice having you, Rowland; but if he should come--' 'I would go away. You are ill, Netta. Tell me what is the matter with you.' Rowland was feeling Netta's pulse, and found that they were too rapid to be counted, whilst he could literally hear the pulsation of her heart. 'I don't know; something at my heart. And--and--my head, just here,--at the top. It is so burning, like fire.' 'We must nurse you, Netta. If you would only come to my lodgings.' 'Hush! hush! not for the world. I will stay here till--I am sure that is a step.' 'No dear. Try to be calm and sleep for half-an-hour, whilst I go and make some arrangements.' 'Do you think he will come to-night?' 'I scarcely think he can, Netta. You know he is obliged to hide, dear, do you not? for--' 'Yes, yes! he told me for a few days for debt, and then he would come back. But he didn't murder Captain Dancy, did he?' Netta started up and fixed her eyes wildly on her brother. 'No,--I assure you, no! I saw some one who saw Captain Dancy yesterday.' 'Thank God! thank God!' 'And, Netta, I do not think he can venture to come back just yet; so you must try to get well for all our sakes.' 'Yes, I will, that I may go to him. I will sleep now. Put Minette by my side. Poor Minette!' Rowland laid the child's head on her mother's lap, and arranged the pillows for Netta, and then went, with a heart full to bursting, to Mrs Saunders.