"Yes, yes!" said Christie, eagerly; "send now—right away."
Mr. Brantwell left the room, and speedily returned to say that a man had gone, and Mrs. Tom and her nephew might be expected in a few hours.
And then the good clergyman came and sat down beside the dying girl, and, taking her hand in his, began talking in a low earnest tone, while Willard, with his head bowed on his hand, sat by the window, absorbed by many conflicting thoughts.
And thus an hour passed; and then Captain Campbell and his sister returned, pale and excited, as if by some strange tidings.
"Mr. Courtney?" said the minister, inquiringly.
"Is dead!" answered Captain Campbell, with a slight shudder.
"Is it possible? How very sudden!" said Mr. Brantwell, in surprise, "What was the matter?"
"He ruptured an artery this morning," replied the young man, beginning to pace the room with rapid strides: "and that, with the shock caused by the unexpected appearance of Christie, caused his death."
"Christie's appearance! How could that shock him?" said the minister, still more surprised.
"He thought her dead—thought himself her murderer, and fancied she had risen from the grave to accuse him," said Captain Campbell, excitedly.