ish.

"Perhaps, sir," said Emily, "he is not so bad as you think; let us hear
before we condemn him."

Her resentment, if her gentle nature had for a moment harbored such a
feeling, had all given way to the abundant sympathy she felt for the
doctor in his deep distress. Forgiving as the spirit of mercy, she now
applied restoratives to the man who had so lately attempted to wrong
her; and Dr. Vaudelier, with a sad heart, assisted her in her merciful
duty.

Hatchie, on his approach to the cottage, had been assailed by the men
whom Vernon had sent to secure him. A severe encounter had ensued, and
although Hatchie's great muscular power and skill had enabled him to
keep his assailants at bay, he would eventually have had the worst of
it; but Jerry Swinger came to his aid in season for him to save his
mistress from injury. Vernon's party, like that of Maxwell, were all
secured.

The noise caused by the entrance of Vernon had awakened Henry Carroll
from his slumbers. He listened, but could not make out the occasion of
it; for, in consideration of his feeble condition, he had not been
informed of the meditated attack. The cry for help uttered by Emily
convinced him of the nature of the disturbance. His first impulse was to
rise and rush to her assistance; but of his inability to do this he was
painfully reminded in his attempt to rise. The heavy fall of Vernon on
the floor, and the voice of Hatchie, assured him that, whatever the
affair might be, it had assumed a new phase. His painful apprehensions
were quieted by the appearance of Hatchie, who in a concise manner
related the events of the night.

The last lingering doubt of the suspicious invalid was removed by the
entrance of Emily herself.

"You are safe, dear Emily!" exclaimed he.

"I am, thank God!"

"And I could not assist in your defence!"

"Heaven will protect me, Henry. It seems as if a veritable angel hovered
over my path to shield me from the thousand perils that assail me."

"The angels do hover around you, Emily; you are so pure, and good, and
true, that they are ever near you, even in your own heart. Angels always
minister to the good,--to those who resist the temptations of the
world."

"You speak too well of me. But you have been excited by this tumult,
Henry."

"I was a little disturbed; but, unable to help myself, I could do
nothing for others,--not even for you, dearest."

"I know what you would have done, if you had been able. I know your