"But I shall--I expect it's going to retard my recovery," said
the young man gloomily. "I couldn't be worse off! Here I am
flat on my back; I can't come to you or keep watch over you. Let
me have some hope, dear--let me believe that you will marry me!"

She looked at him pityingly, and with a certain latent tenderness
in her mood.

"Do you really care so much for me, Charley?"

"I love you, Betty!--I want you to say you will marry me as soon
as I can stand by your side--you're not going?--I won't speak of
this again if it annoys you, dear!" for she had risen.

"I must, Charley--"

"Oh, don't--well, then, if you will go, I want Carrington to ride
back with you."

"But I brought George with me--"

"Yes, I know, but I want you to take Carrington--the Lord knows
what we are coming to here in West Tennessee; I must have word
that you reach home safe."

"Very well, then, I'll ask Mr. Carrington. Good-by, Charley,
dear!"

Norton seemed to summon all his fortitude.