If George had been wide awake before, the doctor's raillery so increased his impatience and worry that for a time he paced up and down before the fire. Was he faint-hearted in wooing Ella? Suppose some bold Southerner should forestall him? The thought was torture; yet it seemed ungenerous and unkind to seek her openly while she was in a sense his guest and dependent upon him. "Well," he growled at last, "I won't do it. When she first spoke to me she said I was a gentleman, and I'll be hanged if I don't remain one and take my chances." He threw himself down again by the fire with his back to the awning. Before very long he heard a light step. Turning hastily he saw Ella's startled face by the light of the fire. "Oh, Mr. Houghton! is it you? Pardon me for disturbing you," and she was about to retreat. He was on his feet instantly and said, "You will only disturb me by going away, that is--I mean if you are not tired and sleepy." "There is such a dreadful noise I can't sleep any more," she replied, hesitating a moment. "Suppose--you might help me watch a little while then," he stammered. "I'll watch if you will rest." "Certainly;" and he brought her a chair and then reclined near her feet. "But I meant that you should sleep." "I only promised to rest." "But you need sleep if any one does. I've had a good nap and feel much better. How late is it?" "Nearly eleven, and time for Clancy's medicine." When he returned he told her about Clancy. "Poor fellow!" she said, sympathetically, "Clancy seems to have trouble on his mind. We all have enough, but he more than his share." "I should think you would be worried out of your senses with so many people to think about and care for. No wonder you can't sleep." "Thoughts of _people_ do not keep me awake, and I am glad to say my father's resting quietly. He and your father are born soldiers." "Your father's to blame for my making a fool of myself at the supper-table. He spoke so kindly and sympathetically, and I was so tired and silly that I couldn't stand anything. Then you looked reproachfully at me because I couldn't eat all you sent--enough to make Uncle Sheba ill." "Now, Miss Bodine, I didn't look at you reproachfully." "Who's that snoring over there?" "Dr. Devoe. My facial muscles must have been shaken out of shape to have given you so false an impression. Anyhow, I seem to have driven you away, and I've been miserable ever since." "Why, Mr. Houghton! The idea of letting a tired girl's weakness disturb you! You will soon be as ill as Mr. Clancy." "I'm only stating a fact." "Well, facts are very queer nowadays. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised at anything." "Yet you are a continual surprise to me, Miss Bodine. Do you think I've forgotten anything since you carried Mrs. Bodine out of her tottering house?"