“Clinton,” replied Eva, softly.
Helen drew a long breath, rose and paced the room again. After a few turns, she took her sister in her arms, and said—
“He is worthy of your love, Eva; for I doubt not that you have won his heart”——
“Oh, Helen!”
“I think it is clear; and, in such a case, he has acted nobly. I owe a debt to his dear sister, which, though it is my intention to endeavour to acknowledge to the best of my ability, is yet one that can never be repaid; and for her loved and loving brother Charley—well, Eva, when this cloud which has settled upon our house has passed away—the storm is in its intensity now—we shall see, darling”——
There was a gentle knock at the door as she concluded; and, on the permission to enter being given, the subject of their conversation entered.
His face was pale, as though he had suffered a great shock; his mien was sad, even solemn. Both Eva and Helen noticed it; instantly, together, they exclaimed—“In Heaven’s name, what has happened?”
“I am the bearer of most distressing news to you, young ladies,” he replied, in a grave, subdued tone. “It costs me great pain to fulfil the office, but I have undertaken it, that the announcement may have nothing added to its poignancy by abrupt thoughtlessness.”
The two sisters clung to each other, and looked upon him affrighted.
“Let me prepare you,” he said, “to receive painful intelligence respecting your father.”