have seen her father, but was frightened at the chance of meeting
him. When she had sent her message, and told her brothers what was
passing, she went and lingered on the stairs and in the passage for
tidings. After what seemed a long time, Flora came out, and hastened
to the nursery, giving her intelligence on the way.

"Better than could be hoped, he walked alone into the room, and was
quite calm and composed. Oh! if this will not hurt him, if the
seeing baby was but over!"

"Does he want her?"

"Yes, he would have come up here himself, but I would not let him.
Nurse, do you hear? Papa wants baby; let me have her."

"Bless me, Miss Flora, you can't hold her while you are all of a
tremble! And he has been to Miss Margaret?"

"Yes, nurse, and he was only rather stiff and lame."

"Did Margaret seem to know him?" said Ethel.

"She just answered in that dreamy way when he spoke to her. He says
he thinks it is as Mr. Ward believes, and that she will soon come to
herself. He is quite able to consider--"

"And he knows all?"

"I am sure he does. He desired to see baby, and he wants you, nurse.
Only mind you command yourself--don't say a word you can help--do