It was soon ascertained that Marvel had been a passenger on board of this vessel; but, from some cause, nothing in regard to him beyond this fact could she learn.

Against all persuasion, she started for the hospital, her heart oppressed with a fearful presentiment that he was either dead or struggling in the grasp of a fatal malady.

On making inquiry at the hospital, she was told the one she sought was not there, and she was about returning to the city, when the truth reached her ears.
"Is he very ill ?" she asked, struggling to compose herself.
"Yes, he is extremely ill," was the reply.

"And it might not be well for you, under the circumstances, to see him at present." "Not well for his wife to see him ?" returned Agnes.

Tears sprung to her eyes at the thought of not being permitted to come near in his extremity.