stethoscope--talked to him now on his feelings, now on the news of the
day, and then stepped out to Darrell.

"Something on the heart, my dear sir; I can't get at it; perhaps you can.
Take off that something, and the springs will react, and my patient will
soon recover. All about him sound as a rock--but the heart; that has
been horribly worried; something worries it now. His heart may be seen
in his eye. Watch his eye; it is missing some face it is accustomed to
see."

Darrell changed colour. He stole back into Waife's room, and took the
old man's hand. Waife returned the pressure, and said: "I was just
praying for you--and--and--I am sinking fast. Do not let me die, sir,
without wishing poor Sophy a last good-bye!"

Darrell passed back to the landing-place where George and Lionel were
standing, while Dr. F------- was snatching a hasty refreshment in the
library before his return to town. Darrell laid his hand on Lionel's
shoulder. "Lionel, you must go back to London with Dr. F-------.
I cannot keep you here longer. I want your room."

"Sir," said Lionel, aghast, "while Waife is still so ill! You cannot be
thus unkind."

"Inconsiderate egotist! would you deprive the old man of a presence
dearer to him than yours? George, you will go too, but you will return.
You told me, yesterday, that your wife was in London for a few days;
entreat her to accompany you hither; entreat her to bring with her the
poor young lady whom my guest pines to see at his bedside--the face that
his eye misses."