"Oh, my child, my dear dutiful child, whom I have left to be murdered!" exclaimed the poor man, now really cut to the heart. "Only live and you shall never be troubled about this matter again."
She smiled again, and made an effort to speak, but in vain. Her eyes closed, and it seemed as though every faint breath must be the last. As we stood round her, sounds below announced the arrival of another guest.
"The doctor from Newcastle, but I doubt he comes too late," whispered the old lady.
She left the room as she spoke.
In a minute a man's hasty foot was heard on the stairs. Amabel opened her eyes and looked eagerly toward the door.
"He has come!" she whispered. "Thank God."
The door opened and Mr. Cheriton entered in his riding gear, just as he had dismounted, and stained with travel. He went straight to the bed, without giving so much as a look at any one of us, and took Amabel in his arms.
"My love, my precious one. Amabel, you must live for me! No one shall part us, more."
"No, Amabel, no one shall part you more!" said Sir Julius, speaking now with real dignity and feeling. "I have been cruel, and I have been misled by others, but my eyes are opened. Will you not try to live for your father and for the husband of your choice?"
"I will try!" said Amabel, speaking more cheerily than she had done for several days. The old lady made a sign, and we stole out of the room and left the lovers together.