ssessed
himself of the whole of the little delicate hand, when, old habit it might
be, leading him to measure with some exactness the slender wrist thereto
belonging, he pressed it most cordially, and after one or two moments of
such demonstration of his affectionate regard, yielded his place beside
her to the last comer.

Mr. Lee now joined him as he lounged upon a sofa, with an air of entire
inattention to what was going on around him, yet turning from time to time
a heedful glance upon Lucy who sat just opposite, replying more by blushes
than words to the depressed tones of young Mr. Lillburgh's voice. 'Well,
Doctor, and how goes on the experiment?' The anxious father tried to speak
calmly, but his voice trembled.

'I am quite satisfied with my _experiment_,' replied Dr. Kent; 'but I will
confess (you know I am a candid man) that the result makes me feel a
little serious.' Dr. Kent knew, as we all have an opportunity of knowing,
that a danger, however startling, for which we are at once provided with a
remedy, is soon scorned; that it must stare us very decidedly in the face,
before we are willing to appreciate the said remedy. 'Yes,' continued he.
'I had no idea of the deep root the disease had taken.'

'Good heavens! my friend,' exclaimed Mr. Lee, grasping Dr. Kent's hand in
the utmost agitation; 'and the remedy you thought of--is the case too
serious for it to be available?'

'I trust not,' replied the Doctor; 'I believe indeed that if I can apply
the proper remedy in time, all may be well; but as I said just now, I am
a candid man, and don't like to raise false hopes: I tell you frankly this
case is not one to be trifled with; it requires nice management: the young
lady is delicate, very delicate; her nervous system is now decidedly
deranged.'

'But don't you think, Doctor, don't you think, my good friend, that she
looks a little better this evening? See how animatedly she is listening to
that young man: by-the-by, who is he?'

'Oh, no matter who he is, so he amuses Miss Lucy. But with regard to her
case; I will study it seriously to-night, and tell you what result I have
come to to-morrow about noon. I shall give all my mind to it, for I know
how precious she must be to you; I know that nothing the world has to
give, can make up to you for the most trifling evil that can assail her.'

'Oh, nothing, nothing; but what tormenting apprehensions you fill me with!
Gracious heaven! my dear Sir, she is my all; my