An hour elapsed, and the bell of the sick-room rang.
Ellen hurried thither, and found her father composed and resigned to meet his fate. The rector sate by his bed-side.
"This holy man," said Monroe, "has taught me how to die like a true Christian. Weep not, dearest Ellen; we shall meet again hereafter."
"Oh, my dearest father," exclaimed the young lady, bursting into an agony of tears; "it is I—I who have murdered you! My conduct——"
"Silence, Ellen—accuse not yourself in that dreadful manner," interrupted her father.
Reginald was astonished at the words which had just fallen from the daughter's lips; and he surveyed her with increased interest and curiosity.
At that moment Mr. Wentworth entered the room. He found the invalid better, and his countenance was animated with a ray of hope.
This expression of his inward feelings was not lost upon Ellen; and she interrogated him with a rapid and imploring glance.
"Mr. Monroe must be kept very—very quiet," said the surgeon in a whisper, which was addressed to both Ellen and Reginald Tracy.
"And then—there is hope?" murmured Ellen in breathless suspense.