Then, as still he seemed to hesitate, she flung her arms about him and
kissed him, which was an argument that he lacked strength to resist.

A day or two afterwards her father also spoke to Barbara.

"I don't like this illness of Anthony's, my dear. The doctor does not
seem to understand it, or at any rate so he pretends, and says he has
no doubt it will pass off. But I cannot help remembering the case of his
brother George; also that of his mother before him.. In short, Barbara,
do you think--well, that it would be wise to marry him? I know that
to break it off would be dreadful, but, you see, health is so very
important."

Barbara turned on her father almost fiercely.

"Whose health?" she asked. "If you mean mine, it is in no danger; and if
it were I should care nothing. What good would health be to me if I lost
Anthony, who is more to me than life? But if you mean his health, then
the greatest happiness I can have is to nurse him."

"Yes, yes, I understand, dear. But, you see, there might be--others."

"If so, father, they must run their risks as we do; that is if there are
any risks for them to run, which I doubt."

"I dare say you are quite right, dear; indeed, I feel almost sure that
you are right, only I thought it my duty to mention the matter, which I
hope you will forgive me for having done. And now I may tell you I have
a letter from Anthony, saying that he is ever so much better, and asking