Monsieur de Courtois has proved himself such a true friend, he has always been so anxious to help me, that I am sure he would be glad if I brought the minister to the hospital, or to his apartments in the hotel if he has been taken there, and the marriage would be solemnized without causing him the slightest inconvenience or worry, no matter how ill he may be, so long as he is conscious." Curtis thought he had never before heard the English language twisted into such enigmas as these few simple words presented.

It was an outrage to credit this well-mannered and delightful girl with the cold-blooded callousness which seemed to reveal itself in every syllable.

That she was blithely unaware of this element in her excited utterances was shown by her eager face and animated attitude.

She had risen from the chair in which she had seated herself when they entered the room, and obviously expected him to lose no time in conducting her to the bedside of Jean de Courtois.
"Pray sit down again, Miss Grandison," said Curtis, and his voice assumed a sterner, more commanding note, though he, too, stood up, and approached nearer, lest she might collapse in a faint and fall before he could save her.

"I fear I have blundered woefully in assuming a role for which I am ill-fitted, but I must make you realize somehow that your marriage is irrevocably--postponed." "Why ?" A slight color tinged her cheeks; she was actually becoming annoyed with him! "I will tell you when you are seated." "What nonsense! One can hear as well standing." Nevertheless, she obeyed.