“‘Let me see her instantly; I cannot wait a moment longer; I am dying to hold her in my arms!’ “We were at the front gate, some distance from the house. “‘Ah, ha! my boy, be calm; Lottie is asleep; can’t let you see her now; crisis not passed yet--life hangs by brittle threads--patience, my boy, patience! Keep cool; ah, ha! keep cool, my boy. Give me another hug. There now; ah, ha! that’s like old times. Plaxico is with Lottie; will consult with him; if he thinks there is no risk, you shall see her! ah, ha! that you shall, my boy! Let her sleep, though; she must not be disturbed until she awakes. Take your boots off when you get to the house, my boy--Dolly will get you a pair of slippers. Caution, my boy, caution, you see the necessity of it, don’t you, my boy? Yes, of course you do. Ah, ha! here we come!’ “In pursuance of instructions, I took off my boots and thrust my feet into a pair of cloth slippers which Mrs. Dodson handed to me as we entered the front portico. Mrs. Rockland furnished Harry with a pair of the same sort, and the cat-like movements of all showed how they loved the angelic creature whose life was trembling in the balance. Doctor Dodson whispered a few words to me, then went into Lottie’s room, and soon returned, accompanied by Doctor Plaxico. “‘How is she now, doctor?’ I inquired. “‘Oh, she is all right now, sir; I think she will come round handsomely. She is sleeping quite soundly--pulse greatly improved--respiration regular.’ “‘Can we see her now?’ I eagerly demanded. “‘Yes, certainly, provided you obey instructions to the very letter. Only one of you can go in at a time, and you must not speak to or touch her; but if you have the slightest doubt as to your ability to control your feelings, you had better not go in.’ “‘You go in first,’ said I to Harry. “‘No, Edward, I yield to you--it is your privilege to see her first. Go in and give me time to get my feelings under control.’ “It was his generous heart that prompted him to give me the preference. “‘Come with me,’ said Plaxico, as he took hold of my arm, ‘I cannot trust you alone, when so much depends on your actions.’