"I am surprised he allowed you to come here, Miss Arnold."

The doctor was evidently deeply interested in his wonderful and
beautiful nurse, and the artificial twinkle he forced into his gray
eyes could not mask his sincerity from Agnes, who answered:

"Doctor, Mr. Harkness was my intended husband; but a jealous and
mischievous young lady, who envied me I suppose, managed, through
deceit, to estrange us. And so"--

Agnes did not know how to finish the sentence. She studied what words
to utter in conclusion, until the pause became painfully awkward,
seeing which the doctor with much consideration said:

"I can guess Miss Arnold, what you would say, and I fear there has
been too much haste on both your parts for each other's happiness.
But Mr. Harkness evidently has for yourself at least a powerful
sentiment of something stronger than mere friendly affection, to leave
the other young lady and come hither into the midst of such a deadly
peril as Yellow Fever. He has found out the deception, and has, I
suppose, come like a man, to tell you so and ask your forgiveness."

"That must be it, Doctor, that must be it," replied Agnes with much
warmth, "that's his disposition, I know. He has a noble disposition."

After a short further conversation the physician left, with the same
request as before, for Agnes to remain until he sent her a message
where to go next.