“I am Doctor May; you sent for me yesterday, you know,” answered the other quietly. “I am afraid you are not feeling so well.” “Nothing much the matter--all right to-morrow,” he muttered hoarsely. And then he added, in a confidential tone: “Will you do something for me?” “Willingly, if I can.” “Let them show her up directly she comes. She is peculiarly sensitive, I must tell you, and the least delay--you understand?” “I understand,” repeated Doctor May, smiling reassuringly into his haggard eyes. “You wish her to be brought up-stairs directly she arrives?” Colonel Dacre, usually one of the most reserved men in England, seized his hand, and pressed it warmly. Then, straightening himself as he lay, he said with the graceful courtesy of a man of the world: “I shall hope to see you at my wedding, doctor----” “May,” put in the other. “Doctor May. It will take place by special license to-morrow at twelve. I can’t remember where at this moment, but that is immaterial. However, I have a word for your private ear.” Doctor May bent his head close to the other’s lips. “She is the sweetest woman in England; but she has one little defect--come closer if you please--she--she----” Doctor May looked at him compassionately as he sank back on his pillow, muttering incoherently, for he greatly feared that in spite of his iron frame, he would not be able to pull his patient through, and it seemed hard he should die in his prime, and die solitary and alone. CHAPTER XIV. MY LOVE--MY LIFE. When Doctor May left Colonel Dacre’s room, after having given certain orders to the comely chambermaid, he sought and obtained an interview with the manager of the hotel. To him he represented Colonel Dacre’s state, asking him if he could conscientiously guarantee his having the attention and quiet upon which his life would probably depend? Monsieur Bause answered readily that the season being over, and the hotel comparatively empty, Colonel Dacre could have as much attention as if he were in his own home. “Only the maid servants now sleep on the landing to which he has been moved,” pursued Monsieur Bause. “When we are full we use some of those rooms for bachelors; but there is no fear of our being put to such a necessity in August.” “Are you quite sure? Pardon me for persisting, Monsieur Bause; but, you see, I feel Colonel Dacre to be doubly dependent upon me, as he appears to have no friends to share my responsibility. It would be a risk to move him now, perhaps; but later on it would be certain death.” “I assure you, doctor, you need not be anxious on your patient’s account. I will watch over him myself, and see that all your orders are strictly carried out.” And he looked so trustworthy, and capable of so much, as if he could have managed a dozen sick-rooms and his hotel at the same time. Doctor May could not help saying: “If you promise me that, I am sure it will be all right.” “You will have a nurse for the gentleman, doctor, I presume?”