"I suppose things often are so," she meditated, reposing in the lamplight, with the rush of the train in her ears. "And after all, it has been worth going through the trouble, to bring about my home with Felix. Yes; worth the whole. I would not undo a single step, if it must mean undoing that too . . . I never fancied Felix could be what he is now to me. Three months ago, if I could have looked ahead, how little I should have cared about Mrs. Bryant's unkindness . . . At least it would have been a different feeling altogether—not desolate! I do care now: but I shall be cleared some day, quite cleared. I am sure of it. And meantime life is so happy! How can I help being contented? . . . That poor little Keith? Ought I to be glad about anything, when he is dying?" So the hours passed, in alternations of feeling; and after midnight, the journey ended, in a dark drive to Quarrington Cottage. Lettice sprang out, to be met at the door by Dr. Bryant. He looked grave and tried; but at the first glimpse of Lettice, something of the old light came into his eyes. "My child, I have missed you!" he said. "Have you? I did wonder if, perhaps, you might!" "Hardly possible that I should not!" "And Keith?" "You are in time. Not much more than in time, I fear. Your brother was right to come too," as he held out a hand to Felix. "I could not let Lettice travel alone at night." "No: you are perfectly right." "Uncle, what is the illness?" "A chill first. Bronchitis, with complications. He cannot last many hours now. At this moment he is not conscious." "Will he know me?" "I hope so. He has asked for you incessantly, poor little lad. Theodosia would not consent, until yesterday afternoon, to have you sent for. I feared then that it might be too late. The boy was so distressed that she had to give way." Lettice shivered at the thought of Theodosia; not with reference to herself. "It is terrible for Mrs. Bryant!" she murmured. "Yes; and the boy has seemed to turn from her in this illness. It has been most painful. My dear, will you take off your wraps; and then you must have supper. After that you shall see him." "O let me go to him first. We had supper at home." "You must take something more now." She had no choice as to submission, and obedience was the quicker mode. Fatigue could not be thought of; and she had no desire for sleep. Felix at least was glad to avail himself of the food provided; and Lettice did her best to satisfy Dr. Bryant. "You are looking well in health. Not the worse for London!" he said, after an earnest scrutiny. "Felix takes such care of me." Felix grunted slightly, as if in token that he desired no compliments. "Anderson will be no loser in the end." Then came a summons. "Master Keith was sensible, and he wanted Miss Lettice. He had asked if she were in the house."