Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/323

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

313


so sleepy!" and with these words his head fell on the pillow, and he was again asleep.

When it was broad daylight, Oswald came into the room:

"Master Humphrey, they say that all danger is over now, but that you have remained here all night. I will relieve you now, if you let me. Go and take a walk in the fresh air—it will revive you."

"I will, Oswald, and many thanks. My brother has woke up once, and, I thank God, is quite sensible. He will know you when he wakes again, and then do you send for me."

Humphrey left the room, and was glad, after a night of close confinement in a sick-room, to feel the cool morning air fanning his cheeks. He had not been long out of the house before he perceived Clara coming towards him.

"How d'ye do, Humphrey?" said Clara; "and how is brother this morning?"

"He is better, Clara, and I hope now out of danger."

"But, Humphrey," continued Clara, "when we came into the room last night, what made you say what you did?"

"I do not recollect that I said anything."

"Yes, you did; you said that there was now hopes that your brother would be able soon to quit this house, which he had been so unfortunate as to enter. Do you recollect?"

"I may have said so, Clara," replied Humphrey; "it was only speaking my thoughts aloud."

"But why do you think so, Humphrey? Why has Edward been unfortunate in entering this house? That is what I want to know. Patience cried so much after she left the room, because you said that. Why did you say so? You did not think so a short time ago."

"No, my dear Clara, I did not, but I do now, and I cannot give you my reasons; so you must say no more about it."

Clara was silent for a time, and then said—