Shading his inflamed eyes with his hand, he mused for some moments, and she saw a perplexed and sorrowful expression cross his features. "Is there any danger of my dying?" "That danger is past." "What is your name?" "Mrs. Gerome." "Stand a little closer to me. I find I am almost blind. Mrs. Gerome? Your voice is strangely like one that I have not heard for many years,--and it carries me back,--back--to--" He sighed, and pressed his fingers over his eyes. After a few seconds, he said,-- "Do give me some water. I am as parched as Dives." She lifted his head and put the glass to his lips,--and while he drank, his eyes searched her face, and lingered admiringly on her beautiful hand. "Are you a regular nurse at this hospital?" "I am engaged for your case." "I see no pock-marks on your skin; it is as smooth as ivory. Shall I escape as lightly?" "It is impossible to tell. Here comes your dinner." He caught her arm, and gazed earnestly at her. "Is your hair really so white, or is it merely an illusion of my inflamed eyes?" "There is not a dark hair in my head; it is as white as snow." While the nurse prepared the food and arranged it on the table, Mrs. Carlyle hastily collected several articles scattered about the apartment, and softly opened the door. Standing there a moment, she looked back at the figure comfortably elevated on pillows, and a long sigh of relief crossed her lips. "Thank God! I have done my duty, and now he needs me no longer. Next time I see your face, Maurice Carlyle, I hope it will be at the last bar, in the final judgment; and then may the Lord have mercy upon us both." The words were breathed inaudibly, and, closing the door gently, she hurried down the steps and in the direction of a small room which Dr. Clingman had converted into an office. As she entered, he looked up and pushed back his spectacles. "What can I do for you?" "A little thing, which will cost you no trouble, but will greatly oblige me. Doctor, I have found you a kind and sympathizing gentleman, and am grateful for the delicate consideration with which you have treated me. Mr. Carlyle is beyond danger, and I shall leave him in your care. When he is sufficiently strong to be removed, I desire that you will give him this letter, which contains a check payable to his order. There, examine it, and be so good as to write me a receipt." Silently he complied, and when she had re-enclosed the check and sealed the envelope she placed it in his hand. "Dr. Clingman, is there any other place to which small-pox cases can be carried? To-day I have discovered some symptoms of the disease in my own system, and I feel assured I shall be ill before this time to-morrow." "My dear madam, why not remain here?" "Because I do not wish to be discovered by Mr. Carlyle, and forced to meet him again. I prefer to suffer, and, if need be, die, alone and unknown."