Maurice withdrew, a little downcast at Harriet's reproof; he had assumed an over-cheerful air to set them at their ease, and they had not understood him. They fancied that he was not anxious, when he felt all a brother's suspense. He had been with Sidney day and night; he had studied Sid's wishes, sought to keep him cheerful, read to him, had wound himself into Sid's heart, and by the act enlarged his own and purified it. The cousins understood each other; all the past had been atoned for now; there was no element of bitterness in the forgiveness which Maurice had sought and Sidney granted. Maurice was called away, and presently returned with the Italian doctor, to whom he introduced Miss Wesden. "What is there to fear, sir?" was Harriet's first question. She had heard all from Mattie, but was not satisfied until all had been told her again from the doctor's lips. He still spoke of the chances for and against success. Presently, and before he had concluded, Mr. Geoffry Hinchford was ushered into the room and introduced to the ladies there. After a bow of the old-fashioned school, he said-- "This young lady," indicating Mattie, "I have had the pleasure of seeing before. Some years ago, when she thought I had a design to rob a shop in Suffolk Street. Am I right, Miss Gray?" He spoke in jest, but Mattie responded gravely enough. It was no time for jesting, and she thought that Mr. Geoffry Hinchford's remarks were strangely _mal-ápropos_. His manner changed, when he faced Doctor Bario in his turn. "You most cure this patient, sir, and name your own terms. My son and I will chance your breaking the bank." "You are good--very," said the pleased doctor, "and I am much obliged." "We shall have him at his old post, I hope, ladies," said he, veering round to the fair sex again. "A banking-house is his proper sphere--he will rise to greatness with a fair chance. I do not know any man who deserves greatness better--a true man of business--what a contrast to his poor father!" Maurice had withdrawn, and now returned again. "He is ready to see the ladies now; keep him up, please, and speak cheerfully of the future--that's right, doctor, I believe?" "Quite right." "One at a time. Mattie, he will see you first, he says." Mattie's heart leaped anew at this; she passed beneath the curtain which Maurice Hinchford held above her head, and went through the door to a large room where Sidney was awaiting her. The sun was shining through the windows upon him--a pale, calm figure, sitting there. "Mattie," he said. "Yes--I have come." The door opened again, and Doctor Bario entered, taking up a position where he could watch his patient's face. There must be nothing calculated to excite his patient now. Sidney shook hands with Mattie, saying-- "It has come at last--and we shall know the worst or the best in a few minutes." "You are not nervous of the result?--your pulse beats calmly, Sidney."