The Holly chieftain., 1899-12-08
CHAPTER XIX.


to foot. Never till this minute had
she realized the force of her own feel
ings. Long since she had come to
the conclusion that her feeling for Ber-
nard had been merely that preference
which SO many young girls mistake for
love. But this other feeling, which for
months had been steadily growing In
her heart--it had needed but the fact
Of Valdane's being in danger to reveal
to her the strength which It had at
tanned. Thoughts of delirium. ampu-
tation, fever, death, came crowding
upon her imagination. She was Obliged
to summon all her sslf-control to keep
from breaking down.
Presently the porter came back with
the nurse, pretty dark-eyed young
woman, with a sympathetic face. She
looked at Marguerite kindly, but spoke
In rather coldly authoritative man
ner.
Il am very sorry. l daren't let Mr..
Martineau see any one without doc
tors orders, and the doctors not here
now"
"oh. but must see him!" Marguer-
lite said, frantic sense OF helplessness
stealing over her.
I'm very sorry. It's not visiting
time, you know; and got into trouble
last week for admitting visitor like
this. / really am sorry. Try tonor.
row."
Tomorrow! He might be dead by
Al
ing come SO far. she must attain her
end; perhaps tomorrow she would not
be able to screw up her courage.
rs no one admitted-not their near
est relations-when they are SO Ill?
1t is very cruel" she said.
Well. perhaps his mother might be.
or his WIFE"
Marguerite was past sticking at tri-
fles now.
Il am his wife," she said.
Are your returned the nurse. IT
thought his wife was dead'
why should you think that?" asked
Marguerite.
Because he's got a wedding ring
suspended from his neck by piece Of
ribbon"
"Oh. yes" Marguerite stammered. "I
know-that is all right. But indeed I
am his wife! Oh, let me I'M"
The nurse was conquered, and re-
quested Marguerite to follow her.
Now that her point was gained Mar
guerite was filed with all sorts OF fears
and was shivering and trembling as
she followed her guide-now wishing
from the bottom of her heart that she
had not come, now utterly carried
away by the thought Of seeing him
again. She dared not ask the nurse
any questions as to his condition-she
could not trust her voice.
They reached the door of the private
room he occupied.
Now wait here a moment" said
the nurse. as she passed inside
Again the suspense was almost sick
ening. 1t seemed to Marguerite hours
before the nurse returned.
"It's all right. You can go in," she
said:
For the first time Marguerite won
dered what she should do.
"Is he delirious?" she asked of the
nurse.
"Oh, no; he's perfectly sensibler'
Marguerite had expected delirium---
she had not realized the fact that Val.
dane would know her, and now felt
herself tremble until she called forth
all her strength. physical and moral,
and walked steadily and noiselessly
into the room.
There was a slight movement as
Valdane sank back upon his pillows.
My wife," he said, in a rather low.
but distinct voice-"my wife. / could
not believe it. But 1t is you-really
you"
The flowers fell from her hands. She
made a step forward, and tried to
speak, but could not. for the tears
which overran ner eyes and fell down
her face He had held out his hand
and she took it. held it for a moment
between her own, and then impulsive-
ly carried 1t to htr lips.
Take care" said Valdane gently
do nothing you will regret afterward.
You think l am dying, and I hoped 1
was; but they tell me now that am
to live and be sound again, SO let us
have nothing that you wish recalled"
you will live--you will? An, how
thankful ami"
Thankful" he echoed.
Eyes, thankful-so thankful for ev-
erything! First. that you married
me. then that Bernard threw me over,
then that happened to come to Lon
don yesterday, and last that came
here with vnu-With unil