With sudden new strength he held her off. "No! No! You are his--his by right. God help me!" Edith leaned forward eagerly. "George, I was his in life--now death unites us both! I love you, George! I love you!" "God bless those dear words!" she heard him whisper. Then with hands imploringly outstretched, he fell at her feet. CHAPTER XVII. Edith's Release. "He will live," gravely pronounced the old Boonville doctor of forty years' good repute. "Only just in time," he added. "Fearful case of exhaustion and loss of blood. Needs careful nursing--very careful. Who can take care of him here?" "O, I will take every care," exclaimed Alma, coming forward from the little circle surrounding the doctor for information. "Well! Well! We need have no fear then," he said kindly. "And poor Mrs. Hester?" asked one sympathetic onlooker. "Wonderfully controlled, considering the shock. Almost too much control! I would be glad to see the tears come. A little hysterics now, a little spell of woman's weakness would be a good thing for her," he said, with a broad smile at the ladies. "Good-day, everyone, good-day," and the old man passed on to his carriage. Many voices gave vent to satisfaction at the good doctor's report. The rest of the day little was talked of among the borders, but George's and Edith's narrow escape and rescue. When found, Edith was lying unconscious beside George, who was taken up for dead. With the hope of saving Edith, they had sought aid in the quickest possible manner, and immediate attention was given to both. Alma, alternately by the side of George and Edith, scarcely knew the hours pass, until she stood with the group to await the doctor's verdict. For the first time she breathed freely. She turned to little Harold, who stood near with round, wide eyes and parted lips. "Be Mother's good boy, and take care of yourself, dear," she said gently, "Mus has her hands full now." "You bet!" he returned with grave emphasis--and with this assurance, Alma sought Edith's room. Entering, she stepped quietly to the bedside. Edith lay motionless, her eyes wide open, staring fixedly at the ceiling. Two hectic spots burned in her cheeks. Slowly she turned her gaze toward Alma. Not once in these long hours, had she asked for George. The doctor advised them to avoid any mention of his name. She was not delirious, but a little might make her so. Alma took Edith's hand and stroked it gently. "You will be all right again very soon, dear." Edith smiled sadly. "No, Alma dear, I will not be well again. I have not long to live. Will you do something for me quickly?" "O, Edith, don't talk that way?" exclaimed Alma, greatly distressed. "You know I would not deceive you. The doctor says you are doing wonderfully."