Even these words did not rouse him. He made an effort to respond, but the heavy eyes seemed almost unable to lift themselves. Fulvia had seen him like this once before. Her mood changed with curious suddenness, as Fulvia's moods were wont to change. The hardness vanished, and pity took its place. "You are done up," she said. "Was it the thought that Ethel was drowned?" Nigel was silent. "And I—you did not think of me—" "I did not know—" "Was I cruel to ask that question just now?" Fulvia inquired, almost whispering the words. Dr. Duncan and Mrs. Browning passed out of the room, leaving them alone. "Yes, I was cruel," she went on. "You cannot help it. You have tried so hard. I know that well. But till to-day I have not known Ethel—the noble girl that she is! I have dared to think her ordinary. Have you heard how things happened? You ought to hear!" "Not all—" "No,—I might guess Ethel would not tell. I slipped first, and she came to my help, and we fell in together. She could not hold me up, though she tried. Then we clung to the bough, and it was giving way. I was frightened, but Ethel did not seem afraid. She and I are so different. We could not be sure if the bough would last, and Ethel let go to save me, and went down the river. If I had guessed in time, I would have held her fast; but how could I guess? That was the last I saw of Ethel. It was grand of her—more than I could have done in her place. I shall never forget her face, the moment that she let go—never! I shall always know what Ethel is." Nigel said nothing, and not a feature of his face changed. Fulvia watched him closely, knowing that he would not show what he might have shown. "Is Ethel always like that?" "Yes—always." "And you have known it?" "Yes—" still lower. "I think you ought to lie down," said Fulvia abruptly. "I have not seen you so for a long while—not since padre's death." Then she looked round, to find Dr. Duncan by her side. "Nigel is ill," she said with a shudder. "Not ill, only overstrained. I am more afraid for you," said Dr. Duncan. "Why did you not go to bed at once?" "Oh, I could not—how could I? But I will now. Everything feels so strange!" and she laughed drearily. "I can't get clear in my head. You are sure that Ethel is not drowned? Nigel could not seem more unhappy if she were. You are not deceiving me?" "Have I ever deceived you yet?" "No!" Fulvia said at once. A look came into her eyes which Dr. Duncan could not fathom. "If you had, I should never trust you again, should I? Whatever you said or did, I should always—always—feel that you might be deceiving me again." Nigel glanced at her, and Fulvia met his eyes, breaking into a laugh. "Oh, I feel so strange," she said. Dr. Duncan shook her hand gently, as if to rouse her. "Don't talk so Fulvia. This has been too much for you. The sooner you are in bed the better." "Yes. I have nothing to stay up for now. But Ethel will get well. You are sure—sure?" "I trust so."