She turned timidly toward the bed and became much frightened when she encountered the intense gaze from a pair of steel-blue eyes.

She almost fell from the chair; but presently she recollected that Alfred had been unconscious for days, and that he would not know who was watching by his bedside.
"Mother, is that you ?" asked Alfred, in a weak, low voice.
"Yes, I am here," answered Betty, remembering the old woman's words about soothing the sufferer.
"But I thought you were ill." "I was, but I am better now, and it is you who are ill." "My head hurts so." "Let me bathe it for you." "How long have I been home ?" Betty bathed and cooled his heated brow.

He caught and held her hands, looking wonderingly at her the while.
"Mother, somehow I thought you had died.

I must have dreamed it.

I am very happy; but tell me, did a message come for me to-day ?" Betty shook her head, for she could not speak.