ve of cousins marrying."

"Doctor," said Mrs. Weston, "I know you have not given her up!"

"I never give anybody up," said the doctor. "Who will say what God intends
to do? I trust she will struggle through. Many a storm assails the fair
ship on her first voyage over the seas. She may be sadly tossed about with
the wind and waves; but may breast it gallantly, and come back safe, after
all. We must do what we can, and hope for the best." These words
strengthened the mother's heart to watch and hope.

The doctor laid down to sleep for an hour or two in the afternoon. Cousin
Janet, Mrs. Weston, and Phillis kept their watch in silence. The latter
gently fanned Alice, who lay gazing, but unconscious; now looking
inquiringly into her mother's face, now closing her eyes to every thing.
There was no tossing or excitement about her, _that_ was over. Her cheek
was pale, and her eyes languid and faded. One would not have believed, to
have looked upon her, how high the fever still raged. Suddenly she repeated
the word that had often been on her lips--"Mother." Then, with an effort to
raise herself, she sank back upon her pillow, exhausted. A sorrowful look,
like death, suffused itself over her countenance. Ah! how throbbed those
hearts! Was the dreaded messenger here?

"Miss Anna," whispered Phillis, "she is not gone, her pulse is no lower; it
is the same."

"Is it the same? are you sure?" said Mrs. Weston, who, for a few moments,
had been unable to speak, or even to place her finger on the pulse.

"It is no worse, if you'll believe me," said Phillis; "it may be a little
better, but it is no worse."

"Had I not better wake the doctor?" said Mrs. Weston, who hardly knew what
to believe.

Miss Janet gently touched the wrist of the invalid.

"Do not wake him, my dear; Phillis is right in saying she is no worse; it
was a fainting, which is passing away. See! she looks as usual. Give her
the medicine, it is time; and leave her quiet, the doctor may be disturbed
to-night."

The night had passed, and the morning was just visible, as symptoms of the
same nature affected the patient. Dr. Lawton had seen her very late at
night, and had requested them to awaken him should there be any change in
her appearance or condition. Oh, how these anxious hearts feared and hoped
through this night. What might it bring forth; joy or endless weeping?

This dread crisis past, and what would be the result?

"Doctor," said Phillis, gently awakin