of exotics did not penetrate my
lattice; the simple honeysuckle that twined around my window breathed
forth a different perfume from this. My heart gave one glad leap. Oh, it
is all a dream! I thought; Richard's galloping down the road, and all the
past night's misery is a dream! With this reflection a happy tranquillity
was stealing over me, when I heard a well-known voice exclaim:

"Look, Mary, attend her; she has opened her eyes, thank God."

It was Mr. Bristed's voice, and as he spoke Mary approached me, and
bending over, bathed my head with scented water. "Hope you feel better,
Miss," said she.

"Have I been ill, Mary? Where am I?"

"In master's library."

Surely it was so. I was lying upon a divan near the conservatory. Alas, I
was not dreaming! I sat up and looked drearily around, and as I did so
Mr. Bristed drew near with a beautiful lily in his hand, which he offered
to me. He inquired kindly after my health and looked pleased when I told
him I felt quite strong. Indeed I did feel strong for the moment, and
arose determined to leave the room.

"Sit still--where are you going?" he asked anxiously.

"Going to the school-room--going to see Herbert," I replied.

"Herbert," said he, and his countenance darkened; "you cannot see
Herbert, he is ill."

Not see Herbert, and he ill? What could be the matter? He was well but
yesterday.

Mr. Bristed's strange manner, coupled with Richard's absence and the
fearful events of the night, seemed likely to turn my brain.

He saw my startled look of inquiry, and said, "Be quiet awhile; I have
something of importance which I will communicate to you by-and-by, when
you are composed."

"Mary," he ordered, "ring the bell for breakfast to be sent hither;
meanwhile, Miss Reef, while awaiting our coffee, if you will walk with me
in the conservatory I will take pleasure in showing you my tropical
curiosities."

I followed him languidly with wandering thoughts. Gradually, however, I
grew interested and listened with increased attention to his animated
description of the homes and haunts of the wonders by which he was
surrounded. He had visited many climes, and gathered each strange flower
and plant he had seen in its native clime. He became eloquent and genial
as he described the strange habits and peculiarities of his floral
companions, which he seemed to regard as a species of humanity; to him
they were not inanimate existences--creations--but objects endowed with
soul