Half unconsciously the young man passed on, crossed a stile and walked up a narrow, laurel-bordered path towards the light of another window which was drawing him, moth-like, by its gleam.  It also, though in the “Removable’s” house, was unshuttered, testifying to the peaceful state of the district.  He could see a cheerful sitting-room, gay with flowers and chintzes, the light of a shaded lamp falling on Louise Eden’s fair head, bent over a heavy volume on the table, an intrusive white kitten disputing her attention with it.  He drew back, with a sudden sense of shame at having ventured so far, and hurried homewards to dream of the fair vision the day had brought him.

It was the beginning of an enchanted summer for the young Doctor.  Day after day he met Miss Eden, at first by so-called accident; but soon their visits were pre-arranged to fall together at some poor cottage, where she told him he could bring healing or he told her she could bring help.

She had thrown herself with devotion into the tending of the poor.  “I have wasted so many years at school,” she would say, “just on learning accomplishments for myself alone; but now I have at last the chance of helping others I must make the most of it, especially as it is in my own dear Ireland.”

“The lady” was soon well known amongst the neglected tenants of an estate in Chancery.  Her self-imposed duties increased from day to day.  The old dying man would take no food but from her hands.  The Doctor found her at his house one evening.  She had cut herself badly in trying to open a bottle for him, and was deadly pale.  “I can’t bear the sight of blood,” she confessed, and fainted on the earthen floor.  It was with gentle reverence that he carried her out and laid her on the cushions of his car, spread by the roadside; but the sweet consciousness of having for that one moment held her in his arms never left him when alone.  In her presence her frank friendliness drove away all idle dreams and visions.

It was on a Sunday afternoon of September that Dr. Quin and Louise Eden met again sadly at the house where they had first seen each ocher, that of the Capels.  They were called there by a sudden message that the poor girl Mary was dying, and before they could obey the summons she had passed away.

The little room was brighter now; a large-paned window, the gift of her ministering friend, let the light fall upon the closed eyes.  At the foot of the bed hung a beautiful engraving of the Magdalen at the Saviour’s feet, while a bunch of tea-roses in a glass still gave out their delicate fragrance.  Neighbours were beginning to throng in, but gave place to “the lady.”  The old father silently greeted her and wrung her offered hand, but moved away without speaking.  The mother, staying her loud weeping, was less reserved.