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. 10, 1861.]

“ children?”

Those were the first words uttered by Mrs. Lygon when restored to consciousness.

“They are well, dearest,” answered Beatrice, “but they are not here. I was glad to give them and my own little ones a relief from the quietness of a sick house, and all are gone on a visit to Hampstead. But I will send for them.”

“Stay—no—it is better so,” said Laura. “They are well, and happy—you are keeping nothing from me? They are not sent there because they are ill, or have been ill, and I away?”

“Would I not tell you? It is a holiday for them, and most glad I was to give it them. But we can so easily fetch them.”

“No, dear. I have borne the separation so long that for a few hours more I will continue to bear it. There is much to do. Beatrice!” she exclaimed, the colour that had partially returned to her face again disappearing, as she held her sister tightly by the hand, “is it ''there? ''”

“Is what there, dear?” said Beatrice, holding her hand affectionately.

“Did you not—did you see what was speaking to me?”

“My darling Laura, why do you shudder in that manner?”

“You must have seen it.”

“Tell me—what is it that is so agitating you?”

Laura threw her arms round her sister’s neck, and sobbed violently. It was not for some minutes that she ceased to tremble, and looked up piteously at Beatrice.

“You have had enough, Heaven knows, to make you wretched, my own darling,” said her sister, “but all is over now. Do not tremble so.”

“What did you see, Beatrice?” she whispered.

“My love, a most distressing sight, but nothing to cause this terror. There was a violent knock, and I flew to the door—a foreign gentleman said in French that you were fainting, and I caught you in my arms. I know no more.”

“You did see him, then, Beatrice?”

“Him—yes—hardly. I had no time to notice him, my dearest. If I thought at all, it was that he had seen you fainting, and had come to your assistance. I did not even thank him, I was too