For some time past it had been Scarlett's habit to stay in his room till mid-day. He dressed at eight, and then lay down again in a heavy, dreamy way, to lie moodily thinking; but this time the doctor found him fast asleep, looking very calm and peaceful, as his breath came regularly, and there was a slight flush upon his haggard face. "Poor fellow!" thought the doctor, "How wretchedly thin he has grown. I was afraid the encounter last night would have been too much for him; but it almost seems as if he is better, now he knows the worst." As he stood watching him, he heard Lady Scarlett pass, on her way to her own room; but she seemed to change her mind, came lightly back, and opened the door softly. "He is asleep," said the doctor sternly; and she at once withdrew, leaving Scales at his post, from which he did not stir till luncheon-time, when he went down. Lady Scarlett had been twice to the door, to look in with wistful eyes; but each time she had been forbidden to enter, as the patient was not to be awakened at any cost; so the anxious woman went patiently away to wait, for she never even dreamed of resisting the medical man's command. Sleep seemed to have so thoroughly taken possession of James Scarlett, that he remained under its influence hour after hour; and when Lady Scarlett timidly asked if it was right, she received the same answer-- that under the circumstances nothing could be better--and went away content. It was quite evening when Scarlett awoke to find the doctor sitting reading by his bed. "Why, Jack!" he cried, rather excitedly, "am I--am I--worse?" "My dear fellow, no; I hope not." "No; of course not. I'm--I must be--Thank God!" he sighed fervently; "what a restful, grateful sleep.--Where's Kate?" "She has been here several times, but I would not have you disturbed." "Bless her!" said Scarlett softly. "Jack you are my one friend, the only one to whom I ever opened my heart, I trust you, Jack, with everything." "My dear old boy," said the doctor warmly, grasping his hands, "I hope I deserve it. Heaven knows, I try." "You do deserve it, Jack. I can never repay you for hat you've done for me." "Tchah, man, stuff! Why, I owe you a debt for letting me try to cure you." "Now let me be more in your debt, Jack," said Scarlett. "As much as you like, old fellow. I'll do all I can." Scarlett paused, and his face flushed almost feverishly as he gazed earnestly at his friend. At last he spoke. "I have been weak-- unstrung; and that, made me what I was, Jack," he said piteously. "You saw the weak side of my character last night. I had hidden it so well before; but when you came to me then, I was half mad, and--well, I need not confess--you must have seen the turn my thoughts took. You don't wish me to degrade myself again--to make confession?" "No, no--say nothing," said Scales quietly. "My dear old fellow, believe me, I am your friend."