science had often quailed, when contemplating the severity
of her youthful virtue. Dearly as he loved his wife, he respected his
daughter more, and the bare idea that certain occurrences of former
years might be known to her was as a poisoned dagger in his heart. He
had been a daring, and was still an ambitious man--successful in all
that men aim to succeed in; wealthy, honoured, and powerful, and--what
is frequently more ardently sought for than all--feared; yet would he
rather have sacrificed every advantage he had gained--every desire for
which he had unhesitatingly bartered his own self-esteem--every
distinction he had considered cheaply purchased at the price of
conscience, than have lost the good opinion, the confiding love of his
only child. Even now he looked upon her with mingled feelings of dread
and affection, though her bearing was subdued and her lofty spirit bowed
by sorrow, as she stood before him, the thick folds of her dressing-gown
falling with classic elegance to her feet, her fine hair pushed back
from her forehead and carelessly twisted round her head, and her
countenance deepened into an expression of the most intense anxiety:
while, assured that the invalid slept on, she whispered into his ear
words of consolation, if not of hope.

Lady Cecil had existed for some days in a state of frightful delirium,
and, during that time, her ravings had been so loud and continued, that
her present repose was elysium to those who loved her. Constance bent
her knees, and prayed in silence, long and fervently, for support. Sir
Robert, leaning back in the richly-cushioned chair, covered his face
with his hands, withdrawing them only when the sleeper groaned or
breathed more heavily. At length both felt as if death had indeed
entered the chamber, so motionless lay the object of their love: they
continued gazing from each other to the couch, until the misty light of
morning streamed coldly through the open shutters. Another hour of sad
watching passed, and, with a long and deeply drawn sigh, the sufferer
opened her eyes: they were no longer wild and wandering, but rested with
calm intelligence on her husband and her child.

"It is long since I have seen you, except in strange dreams," she said,
or rather murmured; "and now I shall be with you but for a very little
time!"

Constance put to her lips a silver cup containing some refreshment,
while Sir Robert supported her head on his arm.

"Call no one in. Constance