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248 to open it or even to hold it. Her eyes were fixed, her hands firmly closed, and she continued to shiver with uncontrollable emotion. "She is quite unconscious," he said, "she does not hear a word I say to her."

Jane flew to her assistance, spoke to her, entreated her to answer, bathed her temples and her hands—but all without effect. "Oh!" she exclaimed, terrified and dismayed, "I have killed her."

"Do not be so alarmed," said Mr. Lloyd, "there is no occasion for it; the violence of her emotion has overcome her, it is the voice of nature; let us convey her to her bed."

Jane called assistants, and they removed her to her own room, and placed her on her bed.

"See," whispered Mr. Lloyd to Jane, after a few moments, "she is becoming composed already; leave her for a little time with this domestic—I have much to say to thee."

Jane followed him to the parlour. He took both her hands, and said, his face radiant with joy, "Jane, many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Nay, do not tremble, unless it be for the sin of having kept from me so long the blessed intelligence of this morning."

Poor Jane tried to stammer out an apology for her reserve, but Mr. Lloyd interrupted her by saying playfully, "I understand it all; I am too old, too rigid, too—quakerish, to be a young lady's confidant."