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"Well, then, do not despair. Hope still, and conceal your distress as much as possible from her."

"I will do so," the poor lady exclaimed, as fresh tears gushed from her eyes; "as much as possible, I will."

Mr. Scholefield then promised to send to her immediately on his return, and to see her again in the morning, and having reassured her that there was no immediate danger, he left her reinspired with hope.

During dinner that day, Mr. Scholefield alluded to this distressing case; merely stating, however, that the poor girl had formed a romantic attachment to a young man, whom she had since never seen, and that she was then in consequence pining away in a hopeless state of consumption. This statement, brief as it was, interested Sylvester deeply, and as he had never witnessed a case of the kind—as he had never seen the hectic flush, and the various other symptoms of approaching death, which are, in such cases, commonly developed—it was suggested by Mr. Scholefield—who was, at all times, anxious to advance Sylvester's professional knowledge—that, in the morning, they should visit the poor girl together.

In the morning they accordingly went, and, on entering the room, found the old lady much more tranquil; but the very instant Sylvester approached the bed, the poor girl started as if from a dream.

"Mother! mother!" she exclaimed; "look! there! Have I my senses still, or have I lost them? Is this a vision?—Sylvester!" she added, as he extended his hand, for, in an instant, he recognised Julia. "Oh, this is joy beyond expression," and, seizing his hand with all the energy at her command, she passionately kissed it, and wept.

"My poor girl," said Sylvester, tenderly; and, while his eyes were filled with tears, her mother stood struck with amazement. "How is it with you?"

"Oh! I am happy now—quite—quite happy—Sylvester! Oh! how I have prayed to behold you once again. Blessed be God!" she added, devoutly; "my prayers have been heard."

"And now," said Mr. Scholefield, having somewhat recovered from the state of surprise into which this unexpected scene had thrown him; "you and I must come at once to an understanding. I have," he added, with a smile which caused her to bless him; "I have brought him, whom I perceive you were rather anxious to see, with me; but, understand, I must bring him no more, unless you promise me faithfully that you will be henceforward calm."

"I do promise faithfully: I will be calm."

"I must not allow him to come here and throw you into this state of excitement, when my object is to keep you as tranquil as possible."

"I will be tranquil: indeed, I will. I am not excited now! I am only happy."

"Very well: then he shall again come to see you."

"Heaven will bless you for this!" exclaimed Julia; and Mr. Scholefield and her mother retired to the window. "Sylvester!" she added, with a look of unspeakable fondness; "can you forgive me?"

"Forgive you, my poor girl, what have I to forgive?"