With despair at his heart he flew back to Paris, sparing neither himself nor his horses. He found the street and the woman, Harriet Winter, a black-eyed red-cheeked, pleasant-mannered person, who did not hesitate to obey his summons; and before night she was installed in Miss Rochester’s room, and Dr. Winthrop felt that he was fortunate indeed in having secured another nurse second only to Sister Angela herself. Harriet Winter not only proved very efficient in the sick-room but seemed to fit in everywhere. She assumed the management of the entire household, and the family began to experience a sense of home-like comfort such as they had not known during their residence abroad. During the two weeks that followed, there were anxious days and nights. Madame Winthrop went very low into the “valley of the shadow of death,” while Evelyn slowly rallied. Then when her mother began to recover, she had a relapse, and at one time her brother thought she was gone beyond recall. But the faithful nurse would not give her up; she stood over her, even after Dr. Winthrop had said there was no pulse and that all further effort would not avail, and persisted in dropping nourishment mixed with stimulants between her pallid lips. “It can do no harm, monsieur,” she murmured, when he had begged her to desist. “No, nor any good,” he responded moodily; but his voice broke as it suddenly occurred to him that his sister must die without a knowledge of his forgiveness for the great wrong she had done him, and, staggering weakly to a chair, he sank into it, with a groan bowing his face upon his hands. The overworked man was worn out mentally as well as physically. A deep quivering sigh broke from the lips of Sister Angela, but aside from a yearning, wistful glance, she paid no heed to him, but continued her ministrations. One—two hours passed, and still the weary man sat there half asleep, wholly exhausted, while drop by drop the patient nun pressed the stimulating gruel between the girl’s hueless lips. At length she thought that her breathing, which had hardly been perceptible for a long time, had become a trifle stronger. All at once the invalid appeared to swallow naturally. A faint sigh broke upon Sister Angela’s ears, the girl moved her head slightly on her pillow, and then sunk into a natural slumber. A wan little smile flitted over the nurse’s lips, as she noiselessly placed her cup and spoon on the table beside her and glanced at that other sleeping figure across the room. She would not arouse him from the blessed rest, for she knew her good news could wait; but when at last she saw he was awake she glided softly to his side, and said in a scarcely audible tone. “Monsieur, take courage, I think your sister will live.” Dr. Winthrop started to his feet, a dazed look on his worn face; then he moved quickly to Evelyn’s side, and at the first glance his practiced eye told him that there had been a decided change for the better.