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 in her present inflamed, yet enfeebled state, may shorten the term of your solicitude from a few days to a few hours. I am sorry to pronounce such a sentence; but as I find myself perfectly useless, I think it right to put you upon your guard, before I take my leave."

Elinor changed colour, ceased her preparations, and sunk upon the bed. Presently, however, she arose, and commanded Golding to call Mr. Naird.

"I solemnly claim from you, Mr. Naird," she cried, "the same undisguised sincerity that you have just practised with Mrs. Maple." Then, fixing her eyes upon his face, with investigating severity, "Tell me," she continued, "in one word, whether you think I have strength yet left to reach Cavendish Square?"

"If you go in a litter, Madam, and take a week to make the journey—"

"A week?—I would arrive there in a few hours!—Is that impossible?"

"To arrive?—no; to arrive is certainly—not impossible."