When Mrs. Douglas and her brother reached Howard's hotel, they found
that already one of the most skilful physicians of the city was there,
and that he wished to send for trained nurses.

"I fear pneumonia," he said, "and the poor young man is indeed illy
prepared to endure such a disease."

"Spare no pains, no expense," urged Mr. Sumner; "let the utmost possible
be done."

"I will stay with you," said Mrs. Douglas, as the hot hand eagerly
clasped hers. "I will not leave you, my poor boy, while you are ill."
And, sending for all she needed, she prepared to watch over him as if he
were her own son.

But all endeavors to check the progress of the disease were futile. The
enfeebled lungs could offer no resistance. One day, after having lain as
if asleep for some time, Howard opened his eyes, to find Mrs. Douglas
beside him. With a faint smile he whispered:--

"I have been thinking so much. I am glad now that Barbara does not love
me, for it would only give her pain--sometime tell her of my love for
her--"

Then by and by, with the tenderest look in his large eyes, he added,
"May she come, to let me see her once more?--You will surely trust me
now!"

"Oh, Howard! My noble Howard!" was all that Mrs. Douglas could answer;