Page:The Semi-attached Couple.djvu/250

 and now everything was prepared, and they sat down to another hour of painful thought and miserable expectation.

At last Lord Beaufort appeared. "Helen, the packet is in sight, and they have signalled for a litter."

"Then he is alive; I shall see him again. Oh! Beaufort, let us go; I am ready."

She shook from head to foot, but with a strong effort suddenly composed herself, and taking her brother's arm walked rapidly on. Neither of them spoke, and yet this miserable demand for a litter had given them hopes they had not felt before. It is a hard method of testing our degree of hope when we find that what should have brought terror now brings relief.

The packet was now lying close to the pier. Lord Beaufort persuaded his sister to remain with Mary for a few minutes while he went on board to ascertain more precisely the state in which Lord Teviot was. They saw him speaking to a grave-looking man, evidently the ship's surgeon, and he was soon joined by Mr. Le Geyt, the secretary, and the captain. Helen watched their looks in breathless suspense, and at last, seeing Dr. Grey shake his head as he eagerly addressed Lord Beaufort, she rushed from the pier and the next moment was standing at her brother's side.

"My sister. Lady Teviot," said Lord Beaufort, looking meaningly at Dr. Grey.

"I am glad her ladyship is here," said Dr. Grey, looking painfully embarrassed, but speaking in a calm monotonous voice. "As I was observing to your lordship. Lord Teviot has had a very severe attack of fever, very severe indeed, and of course we must expect You know we always expect after that sort of seizure"

"He is better?" said Helen.

"Well, yes, of course, otherwise"

Is he better?" she again repeated. "Do not look at