Part 27 (1/2)

She smiled, and her eyes became less roving. ”I am better,” she whispered.

”Edith, I knew you would be better as soon as he came,” said Star, kissing her. ”Are you not glad, Mr. Winthrope?” asked Star of him.

”Very, very,” he responded. He touched his lips to her fevered hand; and how it thrilled him.

”Now, you may retire, if you wish,” said Star.

”Will you come again?” said Edith, in a very low voice; ”often; often?”

”If I am permitted,” replied John, releasing her hand, and rising.

”You have my permission,” whispered Edith, feebly attempting to smile.

”Oh, I am so weak, I am afraid it will be such a long time before I can leave this bed.” Turning to Star, she said: ”Have mamma keep him for dinner, if it is near that time--or breakfast, or lunch.”

”He will remain,” answered Star.

”You will come in before you go--you will come again, Mr. Winthrope?”

asked Edith, faintly.

”By your father's permission,” he answered, smiling down upon her.

”He will permit you,” said Edith.

”Good bye,” said John, taking Edith's hand again.

”Good bye; don't fail to come in again before you go?” said Edith.

”I shall come,” he said, kissing her lily hand; after which he lay it down with the greatest reluctance.

Then he left her, with a world of thrilling emotions consuming him.

Seeing no one in the hallway, he proceeded alone down the stairs to the parlor, there to be met by the gloomy countenances of Edith's loving parents, who were at that moment in such a distracted state of mind that they almost collapsed over wrong expectations over this singular meeting of their daughter with John Winthrope. Both rose as they saw John approaching, and sighed.

”How is she?” both asked together.

”Better,” was John's response.

Mr. Jarney took John by the hand, and said: ”How greatly relieved I am.”

Mrs. Jarney did not wait for further information; but ran up the stairs, and went headlong into her daughter's room.

”Oh, my child! my child!” she cried in the excess of her joy, seeing the token of rationality in Edith's face. She fell on the bed by Edith's side, almost in a faint, throwing her arms about her. Edith was not in condition to withstand such a stormy outburst of motherly affection.

Star, understanding the bad effect such extreme commotion might have upon her charge, persuaded Mrs. Jarney to be calm, and all would be well.

”Did you know him, Edith?” asked her mother, still mentally agitated.

”Yes, mamma,” replied Edith, so low she could hardly be heard.

”Was it he that effected a cure, Edith?”