additional
poignancy: his friendly inquiries he deemed insulting, and desired to be
left alone, or to the care of the surgeon and his servant. Sir Henry
complied, fearing his refusal would recall that frenzy, which a few
hours after returned from the violence of his disease.

For two days his life was despaired of: youth and medicine, however,
prevailed; and the first object which presented itself to his returning
senses, was Sir Henry performing the little offices of friendship. He
shrunk from the view; but Sir Henry took his hand, and in the most
cordial manner expressed his satisfaction at his amendment.

Pride, shame, remorse, and gratitude, contended a moment, for
pre-eminence in his bosom; but his mind, softened by illness, yielded to
the latter, and, pressing the hand of Sir Henry, he faintly said--"Why
must I regard you as an enemy?"

Sir Henry, who beneath the haughty exterior of Harland's manners, had
discovered the virtues which were in reality the possessors of his
bosom, though warped by the prejudices of education, answered--"Put me
to the test, and let me prove myself a friend! Not my actions, but the
passions of Harland, have induced him to entertain the idea: would he
yield to the philanthropy nature implanted in his heart, and regard
mankind as worthy his esteem, Corbet would indeed hail him as a friend
and brother!"

The word Brother occasioned a tumult in the breast of Harland, which the
surgeon observing, insisted on their ceasing farther conversation; and
Sir Henry soon after left him to his repose.

From this time Harland rapidly recovered, and a few days after ventured
to mention Louise. Sir Henry assured him of his ready concurrence in his
addresses to his sister; and, observing a latent spark of pride
rekindling at the idea of her birth, said--"The circumstance of Louise's
birth cannot, I admit, be justified: but reason, if not love, will
acquit her of the fault and shame which must reflect on her parents. Her
intrinsic virtues have gained her the admiration and friendship of her
own sex; can ours then hesitate a moment in acknowledging them? And
remember, if it were not originally for their virtues, we should none
have cause to boast of our ancestors." Harland acknowledged the justness
of his observation; and Sir Henry, at his request, undertook to plead
his cause to the Marchioness and Louise.

The Marchioness no longer objected to his addresses; more especially as
the anxiety Louise h