Once more the lid trembled! there was an upward glance that looked reproachful!
Another short sigh! Another!
Lustreless and glaring was that once bright eye!
Again the physician extended his hand.
"Assuredly, gentlemen! vitality hath departed!"
A deep--solemn--awful silence--which not a breath disturbed--came over that chamber of death.
It seemed as if the insects had ceased their hum--that twilight had suddenly turned to night--that an odour, as of clay, was floating around them, and impregnating the very atmosphere.
George took the guitar, whose chords were never more to be woke to harmony by that loved hand, and dashed it to the ground.
Ere Delmé could clasp him, he had staggered to the bedside--and fallen over Acmé's still form.
And did her frame thrill with rapture? did she bound to his caress? did her lip falter from her grateful emotion?--did she bury his cheek in her raven tresses?