ut warrant, when I tell you that Lady Susan expressed
herself quite warmly respecting her this morning. She continues to
imagine that she has the charge of Queen Bee, and not Queen Bee of her,
and I think it much that she has been allowed to continue in the belief.
Lady Amelia comes to-morrow, and then I hope the poor little woman's
penance may be over, for though she makes no complaints, there is no
doubt that it is a heavy one, as her thorough enjoyment of a book, and
an hour's freedom from that little gossiping flow of plaintive talk
sufficiently testify."

CHAPTER XVII.

Frederick had lost much ground, and yet on the whole his relapse was of
no slight service to him. In the earlier part of his illness he had been
so stupefied by the accident, that he had neither been conscious of his
danger, nor was able to preserve any distinct remembrance of what he
had suffered. But this return to his former state, with all his senses
perfect, made him realise the rest, and begin to perceive how near to
the grave he had been brought. A deep shuddering sense of awe came over
him, as he thought what it would have been to die then, without a minute
of clear recollection, and his last act one of wilful disobedience. And
how had he requited the mercy which had spared him? He had shown as much
of that same spirit of self-will as his feebleness would permit; he had
been exacting, discontented, rebellious, and well indeed had he deserved
to be cut off in the midst of the sin in which he had persisted.

He was too weak to talk, but his mind was wide awake; and many an
earnest thanksgiving, and resolution strengthened by prayer, were made
in silence during the two or three days that passed, partly in such
thoughts as these, and for many hours more in sleep; while sometimes
his aunt, sometimes his sister, and sometimes even Bennet, sat by his
bed-side unchidden for not being "mamma."

"Above all," said he to himself, "he would for the future devote
himself, to make up to her for all that he had caused her to suffer for
his sake. Even if he were never to mount a horse or fire a gun for the
rest of his life, what would such a sacrifice be for such a mother?" It
was very disappointing that, at present, all he could even attempt to do
for her was to send her messages--and affection does not travel well by
message,--and at the same time to show submission to her known
wishes. And after all, it would have been difficult not to have s