lain her aching head.

Maddy did not know who this beautiful child was, but her sympathy was
very sweet, and they talked together as children will, until Mrs.
Agnes' voice was heard calling to her little girl that it was time to
go.

"I love you, Maddy, and I mean to tell brother about it," Jessie said,
as she wound her arms around Madeline's neck and kissed her at
parting.

It never occurred to Maddy to ask her name, so stupified she felt, and
with a responsive kiss she sent her away. Leaning her head upon the
table, she forgot all but her own wretchedness, and so did not see the
gayly-dressed, haughty-looking lady who swept past the door,
accompanied by Guy and Dr. Holbrook. Neither did she hear, or notice,
if she did, the hum of their voices as they talked together for a
moment, Agnes asking the doctor very prettily to come up to Aikenside
while she was there, and bring his ladylove. Engaged young men like
Guy were so stupid, she said, as with a merry laugh she sprang into
the carriage; and, bowing gracefully to the doctor, was driven rapidly
toward Aikenside.

Rather slowly the doctor returned to the office, and after fidgeting
for a time among the powders and phials, summoned courage to ask
Madeline how she felt, and if any of the fainting symptoms had
returned.

"No, sir," was all the reply she gave him, never lifting up her head,
or even thinking which of the two young men it was speaking to her.