‘Oh yes; but Rome was not built in a day,’ patting her hand:  ’we want a little time and patience, that is all.’  And he was leaving the room, when her languid voice recalled him: 

’I mean to be good, and give as little trouble as possible,—­and—­and—­I should like you to kiss me, Giles.’

I saw a dusky flush come to his face as he stooped and kissed her.  I knew it was the first time that she had ever voluntarily kissed him since Eric’s loss.

‘Good-night, my dear,’ he said, very gently; but he did not look at me as he left the room.

I put Gladys to bed after this, with Chatty’s help.  She was very faint and exhausted, and I sat down in the moonlight to watch her.  My thoughts were busy enough.  There would be little sleep for me that night, I knew.  It was so strange for me to be under that roof,—­so strange and so sweet that I should be serving him and his; and then I thought of Uncle Max, and how troubled he would be to hear of Gladys’s illness, and I determined to write to him the next day.

I was rather startled later on, when most of the household had retired to rest, to hear a gentle tap at the door.

Of course it was Mr. Hamilton, and I went into the passage, half closing the door behind me.

‘Is she asleep?’ he asked anxiously, as he noticed this action.

’No, not asleep, but quite drowsy.  I have given her the draught as you wished, but it is singular how she objects to it.  She says it only confuses her head, and gives her nightmare.’

‘We must quiet her by some means,’ he returned; and I saw by the light of the lamp he carried that his face looked rather grave.  ’Perhaps you did not know that Etta and I were up with her last night.  She was in a condition that bordered on delirium.’

‘No; I certainly did not know that.’

‘She may be better to-night,’ he returned quickly:  ’her mind is more at rest.  Poor child!  I cannot understand what has brought on this state of disordered nerves.’

‘Nor I.’

’It is very sad altogether.  It is a great relief to me to know you are with her.  I must have had a professional nurse, for Etta’s fussiness was driving her crazy.  Now, Miss Garston,’ in a business-like tone, ’I want to know how they have provided for your comfort.  Where do you sleep to-night?’

I could not suppress a smile, for I knew that there had been no provision made for my accommodation:  the whole household had metaphorically washed their hands of me.

‘I shall rest very well on the couch,’ I returned, unwilling to disturb him.

‘Good heavens!’ he exclaimed, looking excessively displeased.  ’Do you mean that Lady Betty’s room has not been got ready for you?  I told Leah myself, as Chatty was in the sick-room; and she certainly understood me.  This shall be looked into to-morrow.  Leah will find I am not to be disobeyed with impunity.  I thought Lady Betty’s room would do so well for you, as there is a door of communication, and if you left it open you could hear Gladys in a moment.’