Major Clifton was obliged to restrain his eagerness. The physician departed, leaving only one simple direction:—that as soon as she awoke she should be put in a warm bath.
Archer Clifton was then summoned down stairs to join the family at supper. There he found a lively, witty, eccentric personage, who was introduced to him as “Our neighbor, Mr. Perry.” And when the evening was over, this gentleman took an opportunity of drawing the officers aside, and confidentially informing them that the ladies of Greenwood were very much crowded with the company of some relations that were staying with them just then, and that although they would certainly press their guests to remain all night, the latter could not do so without putting their kind hostess to much inconvenience; he concluded by offering, and heartily pressing upon the gentlemen the accommodations of his own house. Thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness, they accepted his proffered hospitality, and prepared to accompany him home.
Major Clifton went up stairs, intending only to press a parting kiss upon the lips of his now doubly beloved Catherine, but when he reached her chamber, he seemed to forget every thing but her, and sat down by her bedside, watching the sweet, pale, majestic countenance in its death-like repose.
Ay! gaze on, Archer Clifton, for when you have once turned your eyes away, sharp heart-pangs must be yours ere you look upon that sculptured face again!
He remained until summoned by Mr. Perry—then pressing a fond kiss upon the calmed lips, he departed with a tacit promise to be at her side early in the morning.
In the morning!
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
CONCLUSION.
So trial after trial past,
Wilt thou fall at the very last,
Breathless, half in trance,