"I must leave the sheep that was lost to you, Rose," said Julius. "You can do more for them than I as yet, and they have sent for me to the Hall." "You will stay there to-night if they want you; I don't want any one," said Rosamond at the door. He was wanted indeed at his home. Frank was in a wilder and more raving state than ever, and Raymond so faint and sinking, and with such a look about him, that Julius felt, more than he had ever done before, that though the fever had almost passed away, there was no spirit or strength to rally. He was very passive, and seemed to have no power to wonder, though he was evidently pleased when Julius told him both of Archie Douglas's life and the hopes of clearing his name. "Tell Jenny she was right," he said, and did not seem inclined to pursue the subject. They wheeled Mrs. Poynsett away at her usual hour, when he was dozing; and as Frank was still tossing and moaning incoherently, and often required to be held, Julius persuaded Anne to let him take her place with him, while she became Raymond's watcher. He dozed about half an hour, and when she next gave him some food, he said, in a very low feeble tone: "You have heard from Miles?" "Yes; he says nothing shall stop him the moment they are paid off." "That's right. No fear of infection--that's clear," said Raymond. "I think not--under God!" and Anne's two hands unseen clasped over her throbbing, yearning heart. "Dear old fellow!" said Raymond. "It is such pleasure to leave mother to him. If I don't see him, Anne, tell him how glad I am. I've no charge. I know he will do it all right. And mother will have you," and he held out his hand to her. Presently he said: "Anne. One thing--" "Yes," she said anxiously. "You always act on principle, I know; but don't hang back from Miles's friends and pleasures. I know the old fellow, Anne. His nature is sociable, and he wants sympathy in it." "I know what you mean, Raymond," said Anne; "I do mean to try to do right--" "I know, I know," said he, getting a little excited, and speaking eagerly; "but don't let right blind you, Anne, if you censure and keep from all he likes--if you will be a recluse and not a woman-- he--don't be offended, Anne; but if you leave him to himself, then will every effort be made to turn him from you. You don't believe me." "My dear Raymond, don't speak so eagerly," as his cheeks flushed. "I must! I can't see his happiness and yours wrecked like mine. Go with him, Anne. Don't leave him to be poisoned. Mesmerism has its power over whoever has been under the spell. And he has--he has! She will try to turn him against you and mother." "Hush, Raymond! Indeed I will be on my guard. There's no one there. What are you looking at?" "Camilla!" he said, with eyes evidently seeing something. "Camilla! Is it not enough to have destroyed _one_ peace?" "Raymond, indeed there is no one here."