These little kindnesses were tonics beyond the physician’s skill, and he grew stronger daily.  Mrs. Strahan believed that things were taking their natural course, and, with the delicacy of a lady, was content to welcome the young girl in a quiet, cordial manner.  Merwyn tacitly accepted the mother’s view, which she had not wholly concealed in the sick-room, and which he thought had been confirmed by Marian’s manner and interest.  With returning health Strahan’s old sense of humor revived, and he often smiled and sighed over the misapprehension.  Had he been fully aware of Marian’s mood, he might have given his physician cause to look grave over an apparent return of fever.

In the reticence and delicacy natural to all the actors in this little drama, thoughts were unspoken, and events drifted on in accordance with the old relations.  Merwyn’s self-imposed duties of nurse became lighter, and he took much-needed rest.  Strahan felt for him the strongest good-will and gratitude, but grew more and more puzzled about him.  Apparently the convalescent was absolutely frank concerning himself.  He spoke of his esteem and regard for Marian as he always had done; his deeper affection he never breathed to any one, although he believed the young girl was aware of it, and he did not in the least blame her that she had no power to give him more than friendship.

Of his military plans and hopes he spoke without reserve to Merwyn, but in return received little confidence.  He could not doubt the faithful attendant who had virtually twice saved his life, but he soon found a barrier of impenetrable reserve, which did not yield to any manifestations of friendliness.  Strahan at last came to believe that it veiled a deep, yet hopeless regard for Marian.  This view, however, scarcely explained the situation, for he found his friend even more reticent in respect to the motives which kept him a civilian.

“I’d give six months’ pay,” said the young officer, on one occasion, “if we had you in our regiment, and I am satisfied that I could obtain a commission for you.  You would be sure of rapid promotion.  Indeed, with your wealth and influence you could secure a lieutenant-colonelcy in a new regiment by spring.  Believe me, Merwyn, the place for us young fellows is at the front in these times.  My blood’s up,—­what little I have left,—­and I’m bound to see the scrimmage out.  You have just the qualities to make a good officer.  You could control and discipline men without bluster or undue harshness.  We need such officers, for an awful lot of cads have obtained commissions.”

Merwyn had walked to a window so that his friend could not see his face, and at last he replied, quietly and almost coldly:  “There are some things, Strahan, in respect to which one cannot judge for another.  I am as loyal as you are now, but I must aid the cause in my own way.  I would prefer that you should not say anything more on this subject, for it is of no use.  I have taken my course, and