ingston's impression of his character, and made her feel a little disposed to reproach him for it.
In the autumn previous, Mr. Carleton was taken sick, and for many weeks his life was despaired of. Though not his constant attendant, Miss Blanche was often by his bedside, and the attachment before existing was greatly strengthened. As he grew weaker, the higher elements of his nature were developed while the passions lay dormant, and even his foes yielded to the conviction that a change must have taken place which would transform him into a different character if his life should be spared. Then able to talk, his fascinating gift of conversation shone forth with greater brilliancy than ever. As the disease began to abate, the physician recommended a winter residence at the South as the only means of fully restoring his impaired health, which brought to his side many of his former friends, eager to efface any disagreeable record they might have left of waning friendship. Among this number Ernest Livingston did not appear, there being no occasion for it. He had never borne any malice toward the man, neither had he ever honored him with his friendship. This was sufficient to convince Grace Blanche that he had not changed his opinions concerning him.
Mr. Carleton left for the South as soon as he was able, keeping up a correspondence with her through the winter, yet nothing had ever been said of marriage. Doubts still existed in her mind of the propriety of her course, the responsibility of which she cast upon him who had it in his power to have prevented it if he had not forsaken her in the hour of
