but it was obvious
that her constitution had sustained a shock which it could not long
survive. Of this Dr. M'Cormick assured them.

"In so delicate a subject as she is," he added, "we usually find that
when reason goes, the physical powers soon follow it. But if my opinion
be correct, I think you will have the consolation of seeing her mind
clear before she dies. There comes often in such cases what the common
people properly, and indeed beautifully, term a light before death, and
I think she will have it. As you are unanimous against putting her
into a private asylum, you must only watch the sweet girl quietly,
and without any appearance of vigilance, allowing her in all that is
harmless and indifferent to have her own way. Religious feeling you
perceive constitutes a strong feature in her case, the rest is obviously
the result of the faithless conduct of Osborne. Poor girl, here she
comes, apparently quite happy." Jane entered as he spoke, after having
been dressed as usual for the day, in her best apparel. She glanced for
a moment at the glass, and readjusted her hair which had, she thought,
got a little out of order; after which she said, smiling,

"Why should I fear comparisons? He may come as soon as he pleases. I am
ready to receive him, but do you know I think that my papa and mamma are
not so fond of me as they ought to be. Is it not an honor to have for
their daughter a girl whose beauty is unsurpassed in Europe? I am not
proud of it for my own sake, but for his."

"Jane, do you know this gentleman, dear?" said her mother.

"Oh yes; that is Dr. M'Cormick."

"I am glad to see that your health is so much improved, my dear," said
the doctor.

"Oh yes;" she replied, "I am quite well--that is so far as this world is
concerned; but for all so happy as I look, you would never guess that
I am reprobate. Now could you tell me, doctor, why it is that I look so
happy knowing as I do that I am foredoomed to misery?"

"No," he replied, "but you will tell us yourself."

"Why it is because I do know it. Knowing the worst is often a great
consolation, I assure you. I, at least, have felt it so."

"Oh what a noble mind is lost in that sweet girl!" exclaimed the worthy
physician.

"But it seems, mamma," she proceeded, "there is a report gone abroad
that I am mad. I met yesterday--was it not yesterday, Agnes?--I met a
young woman down on the river side, and she asked me if it were true
that I was crazed with love, a