essed her readiness to accompany her aunt,
but took an opportunity of requesting Glastonbury to join them; and all
three proceeded to the chamber of the invalid.

The white curtain of the room was drawn; but though the light was
softened, the apartment was by no means obscure. Ferdinand was sitting
in an easy-chair, supported by pillows. A black handkerchief was just
twined round his forehead, for his head had been shaved, except a few
curls on the side and front, which looked stark and lustreless. He was
so thin and pale, and his eyes and cheeks were so wan and hollow, that
it was scarcely credible that in so short a space of time a man could
have become such a wreck. When he saw Katherine he involuntarily dropped
his eyes, but extended his hand to her with some effort of earnestness.
She was almost as pale as he, but she took his hand. It was so light and
cold, it felt so much like death, that the tears stole down her cheek.

'You hardly know me, Katherine,' said Ferdinand, feebly. 'This is good
of you to visit a sick man.'

Miss Grandison could not reply, and Lady Armine made an observation to
break the awkward pause.

'And how do you like Armine?' said Ferdinand. 'I wish I could be your
guide. But Glastonbury is so kind!'

A hundred times Miss Grandison tried to reply, to speak, to make the
commonest observation, but it was in vain. She grew paler every moment;
her lips moved, but they sent forth no sound.

'Kate is not well,' said Lady Armine. 'She has been very unwell. This
visit,' she added in a whisper to Ferdinand, 'is a little too much for
her.'

Ferdinand sighed.

'Mother,' he at length said, 'you must ask Katherine to come and sit
here with you; if indeed she will not feel the imprisonment.'

Miss Grandison turned in her chair, and hid her face with her
handkerchief.

'My sweet child,' said Lady Armine, rising and kissing her, 'this is too
much for you. You really must restrain yourself. Ferdinand will soon be
himself again; he will indeed.'

Miss Grandison sobbed aloud. Glastonbury was much distressed, but
Ferdinand avoided catching his eye; and yet, at last, Ferdinand said
with an effort, and in a very kind voice, 'Dear Kate, come and sit by
me.'

Miss Grandison went into hysterics; Ferdinand sprang from his chair and
seized her hand; Lady Armine tried to restrain her son; Glastonbury held
the agitated Katherine.

'For God's sake, Ferdinand, be calm,' exclaimed Lady Armine. 'This is
most