"Yes, and refused to answer my questions," he replied. "You do not tell me whom you went to see." "Is it not enough that I have promised you I'll go no more?" she replied with quivering lips. "Yes, yes, my child," he said tenderly, as he took her in his arms and laid his cheek against her forehead. "It is enough, and I will not press you. Dear Linny, indeed I strive for your good." "I know that, Stephen," she cried with a wild burst of tears, and, flinging her arms round his neck, she kissed him again and again. "My own brave, good brother," she said; "and I've been so ungrateful and selfish! Oh, Stephen, I'm a beast--a wretch!" she sobbed. "Hush, hush, little one," he said; and then, starting, he held her at arm's length and gazed full in her eyes. "Why, Linny," he exclaimed, as a light seemed to have flashed across his mind, "it was that man--you went to meet--who insulted you." She turned away her face, and hung her head, shivering as he spoke, and weeping bitterly. "It was," he cried; "you do not deny it. The villain!" "Please, please don't, Stephen," she sobbed in a low, piteous voice. "Linny!" he cried hoarsely; and his face looked terrible. "If I knew who it was, I believe I should kill him?" "Stephen," she wailed, "pray--pray! We are not alone." "There is only Antony here," he said, "and he is like a brother." Then, making an effort over himself, he strained the little panting figure to his breast, and kissed her tenderly. "It is all past, my darling," he said to her softly, and he smoothed her hair with his hand, as if she had been his child. "I'll say no more, dear, for you have promised me." "Yes; and I will keep my word, Stephen." He kissed her again, and loosed her, to stand with brows knit with trouble. "I do not like your coming here, Linny," he cried at last. "Why not, dear?" she said, laying her hands upon his shoulder. "It is an earnest of my promise. He came to me when I was in trouble." "Yes," he said; "you are right," and after looking at the patient he sat down and talked to us in a low tone. "Is it not nearly time for you to go back, Linny?" Hallett said at last. "Back!" she said; "I am going to sit up with Antony; the poor fellow must not be left. The doctor said so." Hallett took a turn up and down the room, and then stopped. "You have had no sleep for two nights, Antony," he said. "Lie down. I will sit up with my sister, and watch by poor Revitts' side." I protested, but it was in vain; and at last I lay down in my clothes to watch the faces of brother and sister by the shaded lamp, till my eyes involuntarily closed, and I opened them again to see the two faces in the same positions, but without the lamp, for there was the morning light. CHAPTER THIRTY. REVITTS' NURSE ARRIVES.