sorry to part with you and Tom than I can well
express--our pain is mutual, but we shall meet again."

"I see no chance of that," said Virginia, mournfully.

"But I do; and what is more, I have thought about it since I have had
the news. Tom, your sister, of course, only knows the common report?"

"Of course she knows no more than anybody else."

"Well, you do, at all events; and I give you leave, as I know she is to
be trusted, to confide my secret to her. And, Virginia, dear, when I
tell you that I shall want you to come and stay with me, and shall
arrange accordingly, after you have heard what your brother has to tell
to you, you will understand that we may meet again. Good bye, and God
bless you, dearest; go away now, for I have much to do."

When I told to Virginia what the reader is well acquainted with, her joy
was excessive. "Yes," said she, "I see now: my mother is so anxious
that I should be taken into some grand family as a companion; and when
Lady O'Connor agrees to receive me, she will never have an idea that it
is Mrs St. Felix: if she had, nothing would induce her to let me go,
that I am sure of; for she has taken an aversion to her for reasons
known only to herself."

I returned to Mrs St. Felix's house as soon as I had escorted Virginia
home, leaving her very happy. The doctor was there, mute and
melancholy; and I was thinking that we should have some difficulty in
getting rid of him, when Tom made his appearance.

"If you please, sir," said he, "Mrs Fallover wants you immediately;
she's taken very bad."

"I can't help it."

"Indeed, but you must help it, doctor," said Mrs St. Felix; "the poor
woman is, as you know, in her first confinement, and you must not
neglect her, so let's say good bye at once, and a happy return. I asked
Tom to come down, that I might call upon his sister and one or two other
people before I go; so you see, doctor, as you can't go with me, you may
just as well go and attend to the poor woman; so good bye, Doctor
Tadpole, I will write to you as soon as I know what I'm to do."

The doctor took her hand, and after a pause said, "Mrs St. Felix,
_Eheu, me infelix_!" and hastened out of the shop.

"Poor fellow!" said she, "he'll miss me, and that's the truth. Good
bye, Jane; mind you look after everything till I come back, and take
care of the dog and cat. Come, Tom, we'll go now."

I threw her trunk on my shoulders, and followed her till we came to the
post-hou