XXII. CHETWYND IS SUMMONED TO HIS SISTER'S ROOM, AND IS SENT BY HER TO TERESA.—THEIR INTERVIEW.
|Meanwhile, Chetwynd had been summoned by Rose, and a very touching spectacle met his gaze as he entered his sister's chamber.
Near the couch on which Mildred was lying, looking the very image of death, sat Mr. Massey. Before him, on a small table, was the sacred volume from which he had been reading, and he was offering up a prayer for the preservation of the sick girl. Kneeling by the bedside, and joining fervently in the prayer, was Emmeline.
With the appearance of the venerable divine—his silver locks and benignant aspect—the reader is already familiar; but his features now wore a saddened and anxious expression. He was really alarmed by Mildred's state, and scarcely thought it possible she could survive.
Chetwynd and Rose had entered so noiselessly that they did not disturb the others, and good Mr. Massey continued his prayer, quiet unconscious he had other hearers except those close at hand.
At length he ceased, and Chetwynd advanced, and bending reverently to the good chaplain, took his sister's hand.
Hitherto, she had not perceived him, but a smile now lighted up her pallid features, and she murmured his name.
On hearing his approach, Emmeline rose from her kneeling posture.