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 she might then be able to prevail on him to quit the Forest. He did not move however, and after standing a few minutes by him she ventured softly to pronounce his name. Still he continued silent and motionless, and her alarm increased; she stooped down, but could not hear him breathe,—his hand lay extended from him, she gently raised it, but almost immediately let it drop with horror at finding it cold and lifeless.

He was dying perhaps, and she had not power to assist him. "Oh, de Sevignie! (she exclaimed, in the agony of her soul) de Sevignie! speak to me for heaven's sake, or I shall sink with terror."

He started, as if the vehemence of her words had roused him; turned and surveyed her for a minute with a vacant eye. His recollection then returned, and with it all his gentleness.