"Rowland," she said, in a faint voice, "I have not many minutes to live. Where is Father Spencer? I must have absolution. I have something that weighs heavily upon my mind."
Sir Rowland's brow darkened.
"I have sent for him," Aliva, he answered; "he will be here directly, with your medical advisers."
"They are useless," she returned. "Medicine cannot save mo now."
"Dear sister——"
"I should die happy, if I could behold my child."
"Comfort yourself, then, Aliva. You shall behold him."
"You are mocking me, Rowland. Jests are not for seasons like this."
"I am not, by Heaven," returned the knight, solemnly. "Leave us, Mrs. Norris, and do not return till Father Spencer arrives."
"Your ladyship——" hesitated Norris.