Part 4 (1/1)

Avery looked at his wife, sleeping, as she, waking, would never see him look All that was noble in shame, all that was permanent in love, harmonized in his eyes Between his rapture and his reverence, resolve itself seeht because no longer needed in a huels whose names are known only to the love of ed it and found defeat

Avery's lips s ”All I ask,” he said, ”is another chance” He was not what is called a praying man But when he had said this, he added the words--”Thou God!”

Jean stirred at thisin the rooht

”Dear,” she said distinctly, ”did you have the tooth out? Did it hurt you very much? You poor, poor boy!”

She put up her weak hand and touched his cheek

The doctor could not sleep He stole in anxiously

Jean had closed her eyes once more They opened happily as he entered

”Why, doctor! You here? What for?”

As if by accident Dr Thorne's fingers brushed her wrist The physician's face assumed a noble radiance He looked affectionately at his old patient

”Oh, I thought I 'd drop in and see how you were getting along” He sain,” he said, in a comfortable tone

But Avery followed the doctor; as love has pursued the healers of all ages froarrison of the utter truth

The two men stood in the dusky hall The physician was the first to speak

”Well, I 've done ht a miracle,” said the husband, with much emotion

”Work you a greater, then!” coently But a certain entreaty in the attitude of the shaken man subdued him

”With love all things are possible,” persisted the physician in his other voice ”I have always said that she was not incurable Now the difference is”-- Avery did not reply It was not for the doctor to knohat the difference was That was for Jeanonly for Jean He went back to his wife's room, and knelt beside her bed

She seemed to have missed him, for she put out her hand wistfully; there was a touch of timidity in the motion, as if she were not sure that he would stay, or that he would be happy in staying; he perceived that she questioned herself whether she were an inconvenience to hi his breakfast, and to ask if she had kept him awake much But Jean was very weak She found it hard to talk He reitated He laid his cheek upon her hand, and hid his broken face