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"Would to God it had been!" said Drake The village nurse, whom the

doctor had instructed to follow him, entered and moved with professional

calave her some instructions

"I'll send you some help, nurse," he said

As he spoke, Nell came to the door

"No," she said, very quietly; "there is no need; I will help"

Almost as if he had heard her, Falconer's lips quivered, and hebeside him, took his

hand His eyes opened, with the vacant stare of unconsciousness for a

nized her, and he spoke her name

"Nell!"

"Yes," she whispered, in response "It is I You are here at the lodge

Here is Dick, and"--her voice fell before Drake's steady regard--"you

are with friends, and safe"

He smiled, but his eyes did not leave her face

"I know," he said "I--I aer Dick followed him out of the room, and

they went downstairs

"I ire for Sir Williaeon," said Drake, very quietly

"He will co shall be done

Tell--tell your sister----"