But if not--' 'If not ?'--the voice was not like his own.
'Then I shall send for you at once!' The Doctor returned to his vigil.
The Squire, left alone, sank on his knees, his face in his hands; his great shoulders shook with the intensity of his grief.
An hour or more passed before he heard hurried steps.

He sprang to the door: 'Well ?' 'You had better come now.' 'Is she better ?' 'Alas! no.

I fear her minutes are numbered.

School yourself, my dear old friend! God will help you in this bitter hour.

All you can do now is to make her last moments happy.' 'I know! I know!' he answered in a voice so calm that his companion wondered.
When they came into the room Margaret was dozing.