lt the
blister on his head; he complained of the soreness and stiffness of his
mouth and tongue; he tried to raise himself, and could not; and, on the
full discovery of his state, he wept like a child.

Gently, but not tenderly, did Therese endeavour to comfort him. He had
irrecoverably forfeited her tenderness. Gentle, however, she was, as
she told him that his state now, however painful, was better than an
hour ago, when he was unconscious of it. Gentle was her hand, when she
wrapped fresh, cool leaves round his burning head. Gentle was her
voice, when she persuaded him to drink. Gentle was the expression of
her eye, when she fixed its gaze upon his face, and by its influence
caused him to check, like a child, the sobs that shook his frame.

"Therese," said he, "I am dying. I feel that I am dying. Oh! what must
I do?"

"We must wait upon God's pleasure. Let us wait in quiet. Is there
anything that can give you quiet of mind or body?"

Tears stole again from the heavy, closing eyes.

"We are all familiar with the end of our lives, almost from their
beginning," said Therese. "There is nothing strange or surprising in
it. The great thing is to throw off any burden--any anxiety--and then
to be still. An easy mind is the great thing, whether recovery is at
hand, or--"

"Do not talk of recovery. I shall not recover."

"Can I do anything--listen to anything--so as to give you case? Shall I
call father Gabriel? You may find comfort in speaking to him."

"I want to speak to you first. I have not half done the business I came
for: I have not half secured my estates for my daughters."

"I believe you have. I know that L'Ouverture fully intends--"

"What does it matter what L'Ouverture intends? I mean no contempt to
him by saying so. He intends very well, I dare say; but in the scramble
and confusion that are at hand, what chance will my poor orphan girls
have for their rights?"

"Fear nothing for them. If there is to be a struggle, there is no doubt
whatever as to how it will end. The French army will be expelled--"

"You do not say so! You cannot think so!"

"I am certain of it. But the white proprietors will be as safe in
person and property, as welcome to L'Ouverture, as during the years of
his full authority. You were not here to see it; but the white
proprietors were very happy, perfectly satisfied, during those years (at
least, all of them who were reasonable men). I can undertake fo