"Yes, yes. And, doctor, I want to apologize for my anger and unreason this morning. Why, we are half brutes after all. I believe I could have almost murdered that woman for stealing my darling baby and sneaking off without a word of inquiry. I do not yet see how Marguerite can forgive her for keeping her out off her birthright all these years; for dragging her through poverty and all kinds of menial labor; and here she was the caretaker's daughter! Think of it--my child, Zay's sister! Even now when the child pleads for her so earnestly I cannot really forgive her. Will you pardon me for my outbreak? My child is tenderer and more generous than I." "The poor woman has come to the last stages. It is a matter of only a few days. It would be cruel to part them now." "You are all against me," with a sad smile. "You must go home and explain this matter to Mrs. Crawford, and to your sister. Then send the confession to Ledwith. I will see him. And, oh, I promised to drop in and see Zay. She has some nervous crochet in her head." "Is she really ill?" the father asked in alarm. "She has some cold and a little fever. Don't excite her." They walked away together. The doctor found Zay's fever much higher and she was in a state of great excitement. "Oh, what has happened," she cried. "What was papa so angry about? And you took him away----" "A matter of business that he could not look at reasonably at first. And it may be a delightful surprise for you, so you must do your utmost to get well. Men have many bothers, my dear." "It was not about Vincent?" "Oh, dear, no. There was a telegram from him. He reached West Point all right, and all is going well. Now, I shall give you a composing draught and order you to sleep all the afternoon." "And the fever?" tremulously. "That's simply cold and nervousness. You will be about well tomorrow," and he laughed. "Mrs. Barrington was--oh, I suppose the girls who stayed had a dull time." "I didn't hear any complaints. I guess they are all right. Don't you worry about them or anybody." If she could hear that Louie Howe was well; maybe Phil would write tomorrow. Oh, she couldn't be seriously ill or the doctor wouldn't be so indifferent about it. If she only could go to sleep and forget about the Clairvoyant's awful den! CHAPTER XII OH, WILL I BE WELCOME? There was a late luncheon and then the Major returned to his wife's sitting room where Aunt Kate was keeping her company with some exquisite needlework for her darling, Zay, who had insisted upon being left alone. "I have a curious story to read to you that concerns us all. I am glad to have you here, Kate, as a sort of ballast. It was what excited me so this morning and I was very unreasonable. The doctor threatened to put me in a straight jacket." Aunt Kate laughed. Mrs. Crawford studied her husband intently.