ent,
expressed his fears, which greatly alarmed the family. He remained
several hours anxiously watching over his patient, who now seemed to be
in a state of delirium, occasionally starting as if from a sudden
fright, and calling for Lewis Mortimer.

The physician, on being informed of the cause of her sudden illness,
expressed his belief that her strength had been greatly reduced by
trouble and anxiety of mind, together with the sudden shock she had
received, and her recovery was doubtful.

Rineldo, on hearing this, seemed greatly alarmed, and with unceasing
attention continued to watch over his cousin. She had remained
delirious during the night, and towards morning the physician took his
leave. On the following day she appeared more calm, and apparently sunk
into a quiet slumber; at the close of the afternoon she suddenly
started, and gazing wildly around, seemed conscious of her unhappy
situation. She lay a few moments as if to convince herself of its
reality, and then buried her face in her hands, weeping bitter tears of
agony. Her cousin attempted to soothe her grief, but she motioned him
from the apartment. Soon after the physician entered, and expressed his
joy on seeing his patient recovering.

For several days she lay without making any allusion to the death of
Lewis, and bore her grief in silence; it seemed now as if the last ray
of hope was extinguished, and she well knew that Rineldo would take
advantage of her lonely situation to renew his former addresses.

Several weeks had passed away since Fostina had received the sad news
of Lewis Mortimer's death, and she had now so far recovered her health
as to sit by the window of her lonely apartment. One morning, as she
was seated near the door, gazing at the beautiful scenery which
surrounded the cottage, she beheld the stranger who now occupied her
uncle's residence in the village, conversing with Mr. Aubrey. He soon
after entered the cottage, and when he beheld the great change in
Fostina's countenance, he seemed greatly surprised, and expressed his
grief on seeing her look so ill. Soon after he departed, her cousin
entered, and taking the hand of Fostina, pressed it to his bosom, at
the same time, seating himself near her, again declared his
unchangeable love, and offered her his hand. She told him that if Lewis
Mortimer was dead, none other should ever possess her love, and she
should regard him with no other feeling than friendship. Rineldo,
seeing he