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."
