mine of which she had heard so much,
and where she was to have been so happy, a forlorn and solitary being,
had it not been for the attentions of the considerate Glastonbury, who
embraced every opportunity of being her companion. His patience, his
heavenly resignation, his pious hope, his vigilant care, his spiritual
consolation, occasionally even the gleams of agreeable converse with
which he attempted to divert her mind, consoled and maintained her. How
often did she look at his benignant countenance, and not wonder that the
Armines were so attached to this engaging and devoted friend?

For three days did the unhappy family expect in terrible anticipation
that each moment would witness the last event in the life of their son.
His distracted voice caught too often the vigilant and agonised ear of
his mother; yet she gave no evidence of the pang, except by clasping her
crucifix with increased energy. She had promised the physician that she
would command herself, that no sound should escape her lips, and she
rigidly fulfilled the contract on which she was permitted to remain.

On the eve of the fourth day Ferdinand, who had never yet closed his
eyes, but who had become during the last twelve hours somewhat more
composed, fell into a slumber. The physician lightly dropped the hand
which he had scarcely ever quitted, and, stealing out of the room,
beckoned, his finger pressed to his lips, to Lady Armine to follow him.
Assured by the symbol that the worst had not yet happened, she followed
the physician to the end of the gallery, and he then told her that
immediate danger was past.

'And now, my dear madam,' said the physician to her, 'you must breathe
some fresh air. Oblige me by descending.'

Lady Armine no longer refused; she repaired with a slow step to Sir
Ratcliffe; she leant upon her husband's breast as she murmured to him
her hopes. They went forth together. Katherine and Glastonbury were in
the garden. The appearance of Lady Armine gave them hopes. There was a
faint smile on her face which needed not words to explain it. Katherine
sprang forward, and threw her arms round her aunt's neck.

'He may be saved! he may be saved,' whispered the mother; for in this
hushed house of impending death they had lost almost the power as well
as the habit, of speaking in any other tone.

'He sleeps,' said the physician; 'all present danger is past.'

'It is too great joy,' murmured Katherine; and Glastonbury advanced and
ca