he
should see you so unexpectedly; the shock may be too great in her weak
state; she must be allowed to sleep as long as possible; on her waking
she will have returned to reason. You must leave her then to Father
Seysen."

"May I not remain in the room until she awakes? I will then hasten away
unobserved."

"That will be useless; the disease is contagious, and you have been here
too long already. Remain below; you must change your clothes, and see
that they prepare a bed for her in another room, to which she must be
transported as soon as you think she can bear it; and then let these
windows be thrown open, that the room may be properly ventilated. It
will not do to have a wife just rescued from the jaws of death run the
risk of falling a sacrifice to the attentions necessary to a sick
husband."

Philip perceived the prudence of this advice, and quitting the room with
the medical man, he went and changed his clothes, and then joined Father
Mathias, whom he found in the parlour below.

"You were right, Father," said Philip, throwing himself on the sofa.

"I am old and suspicious, you are young and buoyant, Philip; but I trust
all may yet be well."

"I trust so too," replied Philip. He then remained silent and absorbed
in thought, for now that the imminent danger was over, he was reflecting
upon what Father Seysen had communicated to him, relative to Amine's
having revealed the secret whilst in a state of mental aberration. The
priest, perceiving that his mind was occupied, did not interrupt him.
An hour had thus passed, when Father Seysen entered the room.

"Return thanks to Heaven, my son. Amine has awakened, and is perfectly
sensible and collected. There is now little doubt of her recovery. She
has taken the restorative ordered by the doctor though she was so
anxious to repose once more, that she could hardly be persuaded to
swallow it. She is now again fast asleep, and watched by one of the
maidens, and in all probability will not move for many hours; but every
moment of such sleep is precious, and she must not be disturbed. I will
now see to some refreshment, which must be needful to us all. Philip,
you have not introduced me to your companion, who, I perceive, is of my
own calling."

"Forgive me, sir," replied Philip; "you will have great pleasure in
making acquaintance with Father Mathias who has promised to reside with
me, I trust, for some time. I will leave you together, and see to the
br