McGregor promised to return, shook hands, called Grace a “trump,” and strode away.

So soon as he had gone, Grace rang, and when a servant came she sent for the manager of the hotel.  To him she explained that in a few minutes a sick man would be brought to the house; that his illness was not at all contagious; that No. ——­ of her apartments must be prepared for him, and he must be carried there at once.

He asked if she was sure there was no danger to guests from the sick man, and she answered that he must know that no sick man could be landed without a permit from the port surgeon.

He bowed and promised that her wishes should be carried out.

Then she went to find Mrs. Browning, and told her to propose to Mrs. Hazleton to go for a drive to kill time, and to be sure to drive in the opposite direction from the bay; to hurry up and to be absent for an hour or an hour and a quarter.  She had before explained to Rose the real situation.

Rose complied.  As the two ladies came from their rooms attired for the ride, Rose said: 

“Grace, come and join us; we are going to see Naples a little.”

But Grace excused herself for that day, promising to go next morning.

She saw them driven away, and then took up her watch for the expected visitors.

She did not wait long.  Four sailors were carrying the sick man; while Jack, the ship’s surgeon, and Sedgwick were walking near.  The manager met them and directed the way to the room set aside for Jordan.  Grace waited in the upper hall for the procession.  Sedgwick sprang to her, but she put a finger on her lips, caught his hand, then circled his neck with her arms, swiftly kissed him, and then whispered:  “O darling, we must see now to our poor dear sick friend,” and tore herself away from him.

Jordan was put in bed still sleeping.  Then Sedgwick, the surgeon and sailors came out.  Sedgwick feed the sailors generously, though they did not want to accept anything.  He then presented Surgeon Craig to his wife.

Grace greeted him and said:  “Doctor, when the sick man awakens, will there be any danger to him if some one very dear to him shall be sitting by his couch?”

“None at all,” was the answer.  “That is the medicine that he needs.  If we could find the right friend, I believe it would cure him; if we cannot, I fear the result, for it is a sorrow more than the fever, I believe, that is killing him.”

Half an hour later the ladies returned.  Grace had Sedgwick take Browning from the sick room; then explained to Mrs. Hazleton that Mr. Jordan was in the house very ill and sleeping, but that if she were strong enough she ought to be at his bedside when he awoke; asked her if she could bear the ordeal, and if she thought she could, whether she would prefer to be alone or to have her with her.

“I am strong enough,” was the answer, “and I would rather no one would be near.”