Ella saw him kneel by the old man, and then rise after a moment or two with such gladness in his face that even the blood and dust stains could not disguise it. Little wonder, for Mr. Houghton had said, "I'm conquered, George. I give all up--all my ambitious dreams about you. What dreams they now seem! This awful earthquake has shaken away everything except life, and the love which makes life worth anything. I've seen the girl, and I don't blame you. Go ahead." "Oh, thanks, thanks. You'll never be sorry; but, father, please don't say anything to her about--about--Well, she don't know, and I must woo before I can hope to win." "You needn't worry about me. I'm old enough to be wary," and the old man could not repress a grim smile. Then he added, "George, for mercy's sake, try to get the blood and dust off your face and find a coat. You look as if you had been through a prize-fight." George explained the quest he was about to enter upon, and promised caution. Then he approached Ella. "Miss Bodine," he said, "I will now search for your father till I find him." Again the girl could not trust herself to speak, but tears came into her eyes as she gave him her hand. He pressed it so hard as to leave a delicious ache, and hastened away. "Good Lor! who was that awful-looking man?" Mrs. Bodine asked Ella. "George Houghton. He carried you from home here." "Lor! Lor! Saved my life as well as yours and Cousin Hugh's?" "Yes, and now he's going to help papa and Mara." "Well, well, we'll have to forgive him for being born North. Is that old--" Ella stopped her mouth with a kiss, and whispered: "That is his father. Don't let us look at him. In fact, I'm afraid to--at least while he is so ill." "Well," ejaculated Mrs. Bodine, "if this earthquake does not cure him of his cussedness, I hope the Lord will take him to heaven." "He did not prevent George from coming to me, nor his going to papa's aid. He was kind, too, to that poor woman yonder. Oh, I'm sorry for her, and I wish I could do something." "Perhaps you can. Go and see." "I've nothing to put under your head, cousin." "I'll put patience under it. That, I reckon, is all I have left now. Go, Ella, dear, I can't bear to hear her moan. I'm in no pain, and that wine has quite heartened me." Ella did as she was bidden. That Mr. Houghton was observant was quickly proved, for he said to Jube, "Take this pillow to that lady yonder. If she declines, say you have your orders, and leave it." Mrs. Bodine raised herself on her elbow and protested. "Madam," said Mr. Houghton, "do not deny a helpless man the privilege of doing a little for the comfort of others at a time like this." "But you have none left for yourself, sir," Mrs. Bodine replied. "Madam, you can understand what a satisfaction that will be to me under the circumstances."