them. There's much to be thankful for, if one could only pluck up
heart to feel it."

"And you are convinced that Marga--that Miss May is recovering."

"She has made a great advance today. The head is right, at least,"
but the doctor looked anxious and spoke low as he said, "I am not
satisfied about her yet. That want of power over the limbs, is more
than the mere shock and debility, as it seems to me, though Ward
thinks otherwise, and I trust he is right, but I cannot tell yet as
to the spine. If this should not soon mend I shall have Fleet to see
her. He was a fellow-student of mine very clever, and I have more
faith in him than in any one else in that line."

"By all means--Yes," said Alan, excessively shocked. "But you will
let me know how she goes on--Richard will be so kind."

"We will not fail," said Dr May more and more touched at the sight of
the young sailor struggling in vain to restrain his emotion, "you
shall hear. I'll write myself as soon as I can use my hand, but I
hope she may be all right long before that is likely to be."

"Your kindness--" Alan attempted to say, but began again. "Feeling
as I must--" then interrupting himself. "I beg your pardon, 'tis no
fit time, nor fit--But you'll let me hear."

"That I will," said Dr May, and as Alan hastily left the room, he
continued, half aloud, to himself, "Poor boy! poor fellow. I see.
No wonder! Heaven grant I have not been the breaking of their two
young hearts, as well as my own! Maggie looked doubtful--as much as