before me, at the last page where was written 'Finis.' I had strange feelings."

"You speak my experience."

"I believed I should never see you again; and I grew so thin—as thin as you are now: I could do nothing for myself—neither rise nor lie down; and I could not eat—yet, you see I am better."

"Comforter! sad as sweet: I am too feeble to say what I feel; but, while you speak, I do feel."

"Here I am at your side, where I thought never more to be: here I speak to you—I see you listen to me willingly—look at me kindly. Did I count on that? I despaired."

Moore sighed—a sigh so deep, it was nearly a groan: he covered his eyes with his hand.

"May I be spared to make some atonement!"

Such was his prayer.

"And for what?"

"We will not touch on it now, Cary: unmanned as I am, I have not the power to cope with such a topic. Was Mrs. Pryor with you during your illness?"

"Yes" (Caroline smiled brightly)—"you know she is mama?"

"I have heard: Hortense told me; but that tale too I will receive from yourself. Does she add to your happiness?"

"What! mama? She is dear to me; how dear I cannot say. I was altogether weary, and she held me up."

"I deserve to hear that in a moment when I can scarce lift my hand to my head. I deserve it."