book to Idris, asking what answer could be given to this or that position.

Idris could not refrain from a smile, as she listened; she had already

gathered from him that his family was alive and in health; though not apt

to forget the precipice of time on which she stood, yet I could perceive

that she was amused for a moment, by the contrast between the contracted

view we had so long taken of human life, and the seven league strides with

which Merrival paced a coming eternity. I was glad to see her smile,

because it assured me of her total ignorance of her infant's danger: but I

shuddered to think of the revulsion that would be occasioned by a discovery

of the truth. While Merrival was talking, Clara softly opened a door behind

Idris, and beckoned me to come with a gesture and look of grief. A mirror

betrayed the sign to Idris--she started up. To suspect evil, to perceive

that, Alfred being with us, the danger must regard her youngest darling, to

fly across the long chambers into his apartment, was the work but of a

moment. There she beheld her Evelyn lying fever-stricken and motionless. I

followed her, and strove to inspire more hope than I could myself

entertain; but she shook her head mournfully. Anguish deprived her of

presence of mind; she gave up to me and Clara the physician's and nurse's

parts; she sat by the bed, holding one little burning hand, and, with

glazed eyes fixed on her babe, passed the long day in one unvaried agony.

It was not the plague that visited our little boy so roughly; but she could

not listen to my assurances; apprehension deprived her of judgment and

reflection; every slight convulsion of her child's features shook her frame

-if he moved, she dreaded the instant crisis; if he remained still, she

saw death in his torpor, and the cloud on her brow darkened.

The Last Man