those sad, wistful eyes that gazed with new yearning affection into the
faces of father and children.

But presently Arthur, by virtue of his medical authority, banished all
from the room except Lora, Elsie, and a faithful and attached old negress
who had lived all her days in the family and was a competent nurse.




CHAPTER VI.

"Then come the wild weather--come sleet or come snow,
We will stand by each other, however it blow;
Oppression and sickness, and sorrow and pain,
Shall be to our true love as links to the chain."
--_Longfellow_. (From the German.)


"Courage, sister dear!" whispered Edward Travilla, putting an arm tenderly
about Elsie's waist as they found themselves at the very door of Lester
Leland's studio.

Her face had grown very pale and she was trembling with agitation.

Still supporting her with his arm, Edward rapped gently upon the door, and
at the same instant it was opened from within by the attending physician,
who had just concluded his morning call upon his patient.

He was an Italian of gentlemanly appearance and intelligent countenance.