All had left the room, and a dim light from the hearth just faintly lighted the large, comfortless apartment.

With noiseless step Dr.Bryant entered, and seating himself in the vacant chair, near Mary's sofa, bent forward that he might look on the wan face of the sufferer.

His heart ached as he noted the painful alteration of the last week, and gently and softly he took one of the thin white hands between his own.

It was cold and damp, and, while he pressed it, the dark blue eyes rested earnestly on his face.
"I hoped you were sleeping, did I wake you ?" and he laid the hand back, as she strove to withdraw it.
"No, I have not slept since morning." "Oh! I am troubled at your constant suffering; is there anything I can do for you ?" "No, thank you, Doctor, I wish nothing." "All my arrangements are completed, and to-morrow I return to your home.

Can I deliver any message, or execute any commission ?" For a moment, Mary closed her eyes, then replied in a low voice: "If you should see Inez, tell her to remember my gift at parting, and thank her, in my name, for her many, many kindnesses." She paused, as if gathering courage to say something more.
"And tell her, too, that ere many hours I shall be at rest.