"God be thanked if only that you are still here!" And stooping nearer yet he added: "We could not let you go, dear child." Gerald came anxiously back to the bedside as he left the room.

"Are you in much pain now ?" she asked, lifting off the heavy braid that lay across Phebe's bosom like a great rope of loosely twisted silk.

"You do not think you are badly hurt, do you, dear ?" Phebe looked up at her, smiling strangely.
"Oh, Gerald," she whispered, while two big tears rolled slowly down on to the pillow, "I wish I might die to-night! I don't think I can ever be so happy again!" "Nonsense!" said Gerald, with utmost sternness.

"Don't talk about dying.
I won't allow it." And then she suddenly put down her head beside Phebe's, and burst into tears..