“Your news has surprised me, Stuart, I must confess,” observed Miss Charteris, moving languidly from his side and sinking into her chair again; “but I shall prove my words. I am your friend--I will act as such. Yes; I will help you.” Stuart’s face flushed, and he leaned forward and bent his lips to Vane’s white hand. “This is, indeed, good of you!” he exclaimed. “Vane, I can never thank you enough.” “Tell me what I must do,” returned Miss Charteris, unfurling her fan again. “Will you see Margery?” inquired Stuart, hurriedly. “To-day?” asked Vane. “Yes. Ah, Vane, think--four days have gone, she has had a great sorrow, and I have been tied to my bed, not able to see her, not even to write her a word! If you would go to her, tell her all is going well, that you will be her friend, you will make me so happy.” “I will go, Stuart,” Vane said, quietly; “for your sake I will do all I can. No; do not thank me. Remember what I said just now--I would do anything for you. I will wait till it is a little cooler, then borrow Aunt Constance’s ponies, and drive to the village.” She hesitated. “Perhaps--perhaps Miss Daw may not like me?” “Not like you!” cried Stuart, quickly. “She cannot help herself. Dear Vane, how good you are! You do not know what a load you have taken off my mind. I dreaded, I feared that my poor darling would have been without a friend. Now she is secure. My mother loves you, and will be led by you. I shall speak to her the instant she returns, and then Margery can come here. Vane, I shall never, never forget your kindness!” “You shall give me all your messages before I start,” Miss Charteris replied. “Now let me read to you a little--you look tired. I shall not let you talk any more.” She smiled gently, and flitted away, leaving Stuart deep in happy thought. His spirits rose as the picture of a blissful future floated before him, and his heart was filled with gratitude toward Vane. Without her help, it would have been a hard fight; but now his fears were lessened, for his darling would have one stanch, true friend. Sir Douglas Gerant, walking through the hall, glanced at the invalid lying back in the chair, his face illumined with the flood of happiness that thrilled him. “You look better, Stuart,” he said, abruptly, approaching the young man. “I am feeling splendid,” Stuart replied, heartily. “Hum! What new remedy have you tried, may I ask?” Sir Douglas said, dryly. “A new doctor has prescribed for me,” Stuart said, with a laugh; “and here she is. Cousin Vane, see how much good you have done me! Sir Douglas has complimented me with almost professional jealousy.” Miss Charteris smiled, and, seating herself, opened her book, while Sir Douglas retraced his steps through the hall to the front entrance and walked thence across the sweep of lawn to the lodge gates.