When he had summoned up courage and met Dorothy for the first time since Macpherson´s death, she had displayed much emotion, but it had not occurred to her that she was connected in any way with the old soldier´s end. She had told Gervase that her brother had disappeared, and that she had no doubt he had gone over to the enemy, but the subject was one on which she seemed naturally unwilling to dwell much, and he on his part did not press it. It struck him, however, as singular that she did not mention De Laprade; and it was only in answer to his inquiry that she told him that he was making rapid progress towards recovery. She herself was looking very ill and wretched--so ill that Gervase was alarmed at her appearance, and her eyes were red as if she had been weeping recently. “I thought I was strong and able to bear anything,” she said, “but my heart is breaking. Is there no hope for us anywhere?” “There is always hope----” “I see that you can give me no comfort. My aunt is dying slowly, and she bears it very patiently. In a day or two there will be no more food and then----” “And then there will be plenty if God helps us, Miss Carew,” Gervase went on. “You have not despaired till now. You have shown us an example in patient courage we might all have profited by, and you must not let your heart fail you now. You may tell Lady Hester she will not have long to wait. In three days the ships will be at the quays and all will be well.” “I think you have always told me the truth,” she said; “but how is this to happen?” “When we meet again I shall tell you that and more; you must not ask me now, but I believe I speak sincerely and with truth.” “I have always trusted you.” “And always may; there is nothing I would not try to do for your sake. But I am growing a boaster, and I have done nothing and perhaps can do nothing. Only do not let your heart fail. When we meet again I trust the joybells will be ringing, and there will be bonfires on the ramparts; if not----” “It is too good news. We have waited so long but it seems as far away as ever.” “I think it is coming now. Miss Carew, if we should never meet again, I want you to remember that I thought of you till the last, and that all I did was done--nay I should not say that. I feel that we shall meet again.” She looked at him with a look of awakened fear. “You are not going into any great peril?” “We live among them, one and all of us.” “But you----” “Would only carry your thoughts with me--Dorothy, my best beloved,” he cried, taking her hand in his, “before I go I want you to say you love me as I love you.” She drew her hand away quickly. “I cannot I cannot. I will tell you why hereafter. My God! I love you.”