Marian led the surgeon very cautiously up the staircase to Ellen's chamber, which they entered as noiselessly as possible.
Upon advancing into the room, which was quite dark, the surgeon struck against a chest of drawers, and uttered a slight ejaculation of pain; but not loud enough to reach the ears of those from whom it was necessary to conceal this nocturnal proceeding.
Ellen was in the pangs of maternity when Marian and the surgeon came to her assistance; and in a few moments after their arrival, she was the mother of a boy.
Oh! who can express her feelings when the gentle cry of the child fell upon her ears—that child from whom she was to part in a few minutes, perhaps for ever?
* * * * *
* * * * *
Half an hour afterwards Marian and the surgeon were again threading the garden;—but this time their steps led them away from the house.
Beneath her thick shawl, carefully wrapped up, the servant carried Ellen's child.
She conducted the surgeon to within a short distance of his own abode, placed the child in his arms, and hurried rapidly away.
She returned to the Place, and ascended to Ellen's chamber without disturbing the other inmates.
"Ah! Marian," said Ellen, "how can I ever sufficiently thank you for your kindness of this night?"