pelled her to leave at once and seek her father's protection, at whose feet she flung herself, entreating his sympathy in her behalf. When her father wished to know the cause of her objections to Lord Lundy, she gave as an excuse that she had no inclination to change her state, at least for some years to come; and through her tears and supplications he promised his intercession.
On hearing of Mr. Stuart's illness she obtained leave of her father to visit and attend on him. The day before, on finding himself getting worse, he consented to send for his son, and that day, she came over earlier than usual, in order to write the letter, as Mr. Stuart was unable to do so.
On hearing that Mr. Stuart was asleep, she entered Charlie's room, laid aside her bonnet and shawl, and arranged her hair. While doing so, her mind was taken up with the letter she was to write to her former lover, but now another's. At that instant the object of her thoughts appeared before her in the glass, and, not knowing whether it was the influence of her imagination or his spirit, she gave the scream.
How long the lovers remained in fond communion, or how the time swept over their heads, they knew not, until the housekeeper entered with a mournful countenance, intimating that Mr. Stuart had awoke from a troublesome sleep, and, apparently much weaker, had inquired whether Bella had arrived.
The lovers' happiness was soon clouded by this mournful intelligence, and Bella instantly sprung up and entreated Charlie not to enter his father's room until she had prepared the invalid for the meeting. On entering the chamber, Bella perceived at a glance the truth of the housekeeper's remarks; a visible change for the worse had taken place in his looks and voice. On approaching the bedside, he said feebly—"My dear girl, I fear it is too late now to send for my poor boy; something tells me that my hours are but few in this world, and that I shall never see him again."
"Have better hopes, dear friend, you will see your son yet, I hope; what if I were to bring him to you before night," replied Bella, cheeringly.
