Deep down in his heart was the memory of Carew's words,
assuring him of the reason of Ethel's sudden journey to Johannesburg
after the fight at Vlaakfontein. The episode was now far away in the
past. It might chance, however, that something of the old mood might
linger in her mind. Carew had felt sure of her love for him. Perhaps
she had loved him once, before the Captain had won the first place
in her heart. Perhaps--He had grown dizzy and had grasped the edge
of the pillow to steady himself, the first time the idea had dawned
upon him--Perhaps, now that the Captain had gone beyond the reach of
human love, he might win her to care for himself once more. The
chance appeared to him to be wellnigh impossible; yet, while it
lingered in his mind, he could not force himself to go away from
Cape Town.
The worst of his convalescence was ended, before he was allowed to
leave the Dents' home. He strained every nerve to hasten his full
recovery. The path of Ethel Dent was not parallel to the course of
any semi-invalid. If he were to meet her at all, it must be as a man
in full health. By degrees, the color came back to his face, his
lean figure lost something of its lankness, his tread grew firmer
and more alert.
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