time. I am far more able to appreciate you to-day than I was at
this time yesterday. It was all so dreadful," she shuddered
slightly, then continued.

"I have never before been in an accident. I had been spending a
week with some friends of mine who have a place a few miles from
here called 'Hawk's Nest.' Perhaps you know of it?"

The three girls exchanged glances. "Hawk's Nest" was one of the
finest estates in that part of the state, and the Gibsons who
owned it had unlimited wealth.

"I was summoned to New York on business and had barely time to
make my train. Mrs. Gibson's chauffeur had been running the car at
a high rate of speed, and just as we reached the little incline
above the station, the machine skidded, and we crashed into that
tree. I felt a frightful jar that seemed to loosen every bone in
my body, and remembered nothing further until I came back to earth
again, here in the hospital."

"You opened your eyes, once, before the ambulance came," said
Grace.

"Did I!" smiled the stranger. "I do not remember it. But, really,
I am very rude! I have not told you my name."

"It's coming," thought Grace, unconsciously bracing herself. Nora
and Anne had also straightened up, their eyes fastened on the
speaker.