"And I will order the wine," said Olive, touching the bell. "You know, Dr. Vaughan, that Madeline leaves us in the morning?" "No?" in surprise. "Must you go so soon?" "Yes," demurely, "unless I am forbidden." "We are too wise to forbid you to do anything you have set your heart on. Then I must tell you good-by here and now, for a little time." "Or a long one," gravely. "Not for a long one. 'If the mountain won't come,' you know;--well, if I don't get _very_ satisfactory reports from you, look out for me." "You can't get at me," wickedly. "Can't I? Wait and see. I'll come as your grandfather, or your maiden aunt." "Please don't," laughing, "one spinster is enough." "Well, I won't, then; I think I'll come as your father confessor." At this Olive joined in the laugh. "Good-night, Dr. Vaughan." "Good-night, Miss Payne," with exaggerated emphasis and dignity, but holding fast to her hand. She looked at the hand doubtfully, then up into his face. "Good-night--brother," with pretty shyness. "That is better," releasing the little hand. "Good-night, sister mine. Mind you drink every drop of the wine." "I will!" quite seriously. "Good-night, Olive." Olive stooped and kissed her cheek. "Good-night, dear," she said, "and happy dreams." Dr. Vaughan opened the door for her, and smiled after her as she looked back from the foot of the stairs. Then closing the door he came back, and stood on the hearth-rug, looking thoughtful. "It is a difficult nature to deal with, and in her present mood, a dangerous one. She is painfully sensitive, and possesses an exceedingly nervous temperament. Then, that episode with Davlin was very humiliating to her, and it is constantly in her mind. Evidently she has lately been under much excitement, and she is hardly herself to-night. I think, however, if I were you, I would make no further effort to dissuade her from her purpose. It will do no good, and harm might come of it." "Indeed, I will not," said Olive. "How thankful I am that you were here; your calmness and tact has saved us something not pleasant. I don't think I could have managed her myself." "Probably not; and now I will prepare a soothing and sleeping draught, and then, as it is late, will detain you no longer. Perhaps you had better see that the draught is administered." Olive gladly accepted the charge, and shortly after Doctor Vaughan took his departure, wise and yet blind; blind as to the true cause of Madeline's outbreak and subsequent submissiveness. Madeline obeyed to the letter the instructions of Doctor Vaughan. As a result, she fell asleep almost immediately, before calm thought had come to dispel her mood of dreamy happiness. In the morning she awoke quieted, refreshed, and quite mistress of herself. She did not once refer to the events of the previous evening. Only, before taking leave of Claire, she whispered in her ear: