“Miss Gourlay,” said he, “I trust your father is better?”
“He is better, sir, in mere bodily health. The cupping, and blistering, and loss of blood from the arms, have relieved him, and his delirium has nearly passed away; but, then, he is silent and gloomy, and depressed, it would seem, beyond the reach of hope or consolation.”
“Do you think he would see me?”
“No, sir, he would not,” she replied. “Two or three clergymen have called for that purpose; but the very mention of them threw him into a state almost bordering on frenzy.”
“Under these circumstances,” replied the good Dean, “it would be wrong to press him. When he has somewhat recovered, I hope he may be prevailed on to raise his thoughts to a better life than this. And now, my dear young lady, I have a favor to request at your hands.”
“At mine, sir! If there is any thing within my power—”
“This is, I assure you.”
“Pray, what is it, sir?”
“Would you so far oblige me as to receive a visit from Lord Dunroe?”
“In any other thing within the limits of my power, sir—in anything that ought to be asked of me—I would feel great pleasure in obliging you; but in this you must excuse me.”