ry act now, on the part of him or
his family, was viewed in a false medium. But our feelings are not
always at our control, and Edward was naturally impetuous, and Humphrey
so much attached, and so much alarmed at his brother's danger, that he
was even more excited. The blow fell doubly heavy, as it appeared that
at the very same time Patience had rejected his brother and taken
possession of their property, which had been held by the family for
centuries. What made the case more annoying was, that explanation, if
there was any to offer on either side, was, under present circumstances,
almost impossible.

Soon after Clara left him Humphrey returned to his brother's room. He
found him awake, and talking to Oswald. Ardently pressing his brother's
hand, Edward said--

"My dear Humphrey, I shall soon be well now, and able, I trust, to quit
this house. What I fear is, that some explanation will be asked for by
the Intendant, not only relative to my sisters having left us, but also
upon other points. This is what I wish to avoid, without giving
offence. I do not think that the Intendant is so much to blame in
having obtained my property, as he does not know that a Beverley
existed, but I cannot bear to have any further intimacy with him,
especially after what has taken place between me and his daughter. What
I have to request is, that you will never quit this room while I am
still here, unless you are relieved by Oswald; so that the Intendant or
anybody else may have no opportunity of having any private communication
with me, or forcing me to listen to what they may have to say. I made
this known to Oswald before you came in."

"Depend upon it, it shall be so, Edward; for I am of your opinion.
Clara came to me just now, and I had much trouble, and was compelled to
be harsh, to get rid of her importunity."

When the surgeon called, he pronounced Edward out of danger, and that
his attendance would be no longer necessary. Edward felt the truth of
this. All that he required was strength; and that he trusted in a few
days to obtain.

Oswald was sent over to the cottage to ascertain how Pablo was going on
by himself. He found that everything was correct, and that Pablo,
although he felt proud of his responsibility, was very anxious for
Humphrey's return, as he found himself very lonely. During Oswald's
absence on this day, Humphrey never quitted the room and although the
Intendant came up several times he never c