Helen’s brothers, without doubt; for, though utterly unlike in expression, some of the family traits were strongly marked in both. The elder wore the dress of a priest, had a pale, ascetic face, with melancholy eyes, stern mouth, and the absent air of one who leads an inward life. The younger had a more attractive face, for, though bearing marks of dissipation, it betrayed a generous, ardent nature, proud and wilful, yet lovable in spite of all defects. He was very boyish still, and plainly showed how much he felt, as, with a hasty nod to Christie, he knelt down beside his sister, saying, in a whisper:
“Look at her, Augustine! so beautiful, so quiet! What a comfort it is to see her like herself again.”
“Ah, yes; and but for the sin of it, I could find it in my heart to wish she might never wake!” returned the other, gloomily.
“Don’t say that! How could we live without her?” Then, turning to Christie, the younger said, in a friendly tone:
“You must be very tired; let us lay her on the sofa. It is very damp here, and if she sleeps long you will faint from weariness.”
Carefully lifting her, the brothers carried the sleeping girl into her room, and laid her down. She sighed as her head touched the pillow, and her arm clung to Harry’s neck, as if she felt his nearness even in sleep. He put his cheek to hers, and lingered over her with an affectionate solicitude beautiful to see. Augustine stood silent, grave and cold as if he had done with human ties, yet found it hard to sever this one, for he stretched his hand above his sister as if he blessed her, then, with another grave bow to Christie, went away as noiselessly as he had come. But Harry kissed the sleeper tenderly, whispered, “Be kind to her,” with an imploring voice, and hurried from the room as if to hide the feeling that he must not show.
A few minutes later the nurse brought in a note from Mrs. Carrol.
“My son tells me that Helen is asleep, and you look very tired. Leave her to Hester, now; you have done enough to-day, so let me thank you heartily, and send you home for a quiet night before you continue your good work to-morrow.”
Christie went, found a carriage waiting for her, and drove home very happy at the success of her first attempt at companionship.
The next day she entered upon the new duties with interest and good-will, for this was work in which heart took part, as well as head and hand. Many things surprised, and some things perplexed her, as she came to know the family better. But she discreetly held her tongue, used her eyes, and did her best to please.