He slept, by fits and starts, nearly all day long, recognizing his sister, and Kate, and Eeny, and the Captain, by his bedside, without wondering how they came to be there, or what had ailed him.
But strength to speak and think was slowly returning; and one evening, in the pale twilight, opening his eyes, he saw Kate sitting beside him, reading.

He lay and watched her, strong enough to think how beautiful that perfect face was in the tender light, and to feel a delicious thrill of pleasure, weak as he was, at having her for a nurse.
Presently Kate looked from the book to the bed, and blushed beautifully to find the earnest brown eyes watching her so intently.
"I did not know you were awake," she said, composedly.

"Shall I go and call Grace ?" "On no account.

I don't want Grace.

How long have I been sick ?" "Oh, many weeks; but you are getting better rapidly now." "I can't recall it," he said, contracting his brows.