He heard how the inner drawing-room at Red Brae was to be converted into a bedroom, that he might be able, without fatigue, to take possession of the drawing-room couch by the pleasant window, with its view of the sea; and how a smaller room on the same floor was to be prepared for his father.

But by and bye, in spite of his efforts, his attention flagged, and he looked so exhausted that Elizabeth refused to say another word.
"I shall give you your luncheon, and then read you to sleep," she said, in what David called "her Mother Gamp tone;" but he was too worn out to resist, and though forgetfulness was not to be obtained, it was certainly a comfort to lie with closed eyes and listen to Elizabeth's dear voice, till the twilight compelled her to close the book, and then she sat by him in silence until he asked her to light the lamp.
Tea was ready before Mr.Carlyon returned.

As he opened the door he gave a quick, anxious glance at Elizabeth.
"Come in, dad, it is all right," observed David in a weak voice, but he spoke with his old cheeriness.

"Wilful man, and wilful woman too, must have their way, and I have given in like a good boy." "That's a dear lad," returned his father, rubbing his cold hands gleefully together.

"I knew you would make him hear reason, Elizabeth.
She is worth the rest of us put together, is she not, Davie ?" "Mr.Carlyon," interrupted Elizabeth, "David is tired and must not talk any more, and some one else is tired too." And then she drew up an easy-chair by the fire and gave Mr.Carlyon his tea, and talked to him softly about Mr.Charrington and Kit, until it was time for her to go; but even then she refused to bid him good-bye.