f the island. Instead of
Elizabeth, however, an old lady entered the room, followed by a black
damsel. He turned his eyes towards the former, expecting to recognise
the features of Dame Pearson. At first he could scarcely believe that a
few years could have made so great an alteration in her, and he had to
look twice before he was certain that she was the good dame who had
treated him so kindly in the fens, sickness and anxiety having already
worked a great change in her; yet Dame Pearson was the person who had
just entered the room, of that he was sure.

"I was told that an English officer is ill, and requires aid," she said.
"I therefore desired that he might be brought here. I will feel your
pulse, sir, that I may judge what remedies to apply."

Jack was not surprised that she did not recognise him, and he thought it
better not to make himself known to her at first. He felt however great
disappointment at the non-appearance of Elizabeth; still, till he had
told Dame Pearson who he was, he could not ask after her. From what the
negro said, however, he still hoped that she might be in the house. The
dame, after consulting with her attendant, retired again, saying that
she would prepare such remedies as were most likely to benefit him. He
thanked her, begging that they might be applied soon, for he felt so ill
that, stout of heart as he was, he could not help at times believing
that he should not recover.

"We will do our best for you, but the issue is in the hands of God,"
answered the dame calmly. "However, in the meantime I will send my
daughter that she may read to you from His Word. Thence you will obtain
more comfort than man can bestow."

Saying this she left the room. Jack's eyes kept continually turned
towards the door, and in another minute it opened, and a fair girl
entered the room. She was taller, however, and of larger proportions
than the little Elizabeth he had so often thought of. She carried a
Bible in her hand, and taking a seat at a short distance from him,
scarcely giving him more than a slight glance, opened the Book.

"You will undoubtedly draw comfort, as we have done, sir, from God's
blessed Word. I will therefore read to you from the Psalms of David,
who was a man tried and afflicted."

She commenced reading in a low, gentle voice. Jack could with
difficulty refrain from making himself known, for he at once recognised
that sweet voice which he had known so well. She read o