They promised to observe his directions; but when her mother informed them of the hint she herself threw out to her, they resolved to delay the matter no longer; and John, in consequence of what his mother had led her to expect, went to break the intelligence to her as well as he could. An expectation had been raised in her mind, and he judged properly enough that there was less danger in satisfying it than in leaving her just then in a state of such painful uncertainty.
“Dear Una,” said he, “I am glad to hear the doctor say that you are better.”
“I think I am a little,” said she.
“What was my mother saying to you, just now, before the doctor was with you? But why do you look at me so keenly, Una?” said he, cheerfully; “it's sometime since you saw me in such a good humor—isn't it?”
She paused for a moment herself; and her brother could observe that the hope which his manner was calculated to awaken, lit itself into a faiut smile rather visible in her eyes than on her features.
“Why, I believe you are smiling yourself, Una.”
“John,” said she, earnestly, “is it good?”
“It is, darling—he won't die.”
“Kiss me, kiss me,” she said; “may eternal blessings rest upon you!”
She then kissed him affectionately, laid her head back upon the pillow, and John saw with delight that the large tears of happiness rolled in torrents down her palo cheeks.