[CHAP. I.]
[CHAP. II.]
[CHAP. III.]
[CHAP. IV.]
[CHAP. V.]
[CHAP. VI.]
[CHAP. VII.]
[CHAP. VIII.]
[CHAP. IX.]
MYSTERY
AND
CONFIDENCE.
CHAP. I.
——Infected minds
To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.
——A great perturbation in nature,
To receive at once the benefit of sleep, and do the effect of watching.
Macbeth.
Laura, St. Aubyn, O'Brien, and Mordaunt, were seated on one side the fire, with the sandwich tray before them; on the other side, thrown on a sofa, Ellen saw a tall thin young man, who, deeply absorbed in thought, noticed not her entrance. One pale, sickly looking hand hung motionless by his side, the other shaded his eyes, and over his brow his black hair fell in disordered curls; his dress, though that of a gentleman, was evidently neglected, and his whole appearance was
"Drooping, woeful, wan, like one forlorn;
Or crazed by care, or cross'd by hopeless love!"