in her appearance which the skilful physician well knew how to interpret.  To an inexperienced eye, however, she would have appeared charming.  Nothing could exceed the delicacy of her complexion, or the lovely mould of her features, which, though they had lost much of their fulness and roundness, had gained in expression; while the pencilled brows clearly traced upon her snowy forehead, the long dark eyelashes shading her cheek, and the rich satin tresses drooping over her shoulders, completed her attractions.  Her mother stood by her side, and not far from her sat little Christiana, amusing herself with some childish toy, and ever and anon stealing an anxious glance at her sister.  Taking Amabel’s arm, and sighing to himself to think how thin it was, the doctor placed his finger upon her pulse.  Whatever might be his secret opinion, he thought fit to assume a hopeful manner, and looking smilingly at her, said, “You are better than I expected, but your departure to the country must not be deferred.”

“Since it is my father’s wish that I should do so,” replied Amabel, gently, “I am quite willing to comply.  But I feel it will be of no avail, and I would rather pass the rest of my life here than with strangers.  I cannot be happier than I am now.”

“Perhaps not,” replied Hodges; “but a few weeks spent in some salubrious spot will remove all apprehensions as to your health.  You will find your strength return, and with it the desire of life.”

“My life is in the hands of my Maker,” replied Amabel, “and I am ready to resign it whenever it shall be required of me.  At the same time, however anxious I may be to quit a world which appears a blank to me, I would make every effort, for the sake of those whose happiness is dearer to me than my own, to purchase a complete restoration to health.  If my father desires me to try a removal to the country, and you think it will have a beneficial effect, I am ready to go.  But do not urge it, unless you think there is a chance of my recovery.”

“I will tell you frankly,” replied the doctor, “if you remain here, you have not many weeks to live.”

“But if I go, will you promise me health?” rejoined Amabel.  “Do not deceive me.  Is there a hope?”

“Unquestionably,” replied the doctor.  “Change of air will work wonders.”

“I beseech you not to hesitate—­for my sake do not, dearest daughter,” said Mrs. Bloundel, with difficulty repressing tears.

“And for mine,” added her father, more firmly, yet with deep emotion.

“I have already expressed my readiness to accede to your wishes,” replied Amabel.  “Whenever you have made arrangements for me, I will set out.”

“And now comes the question—­where is she to go?” remarked Hodges.

“I have a sister, who lives as housekeeper at Lord Craven’s seat, Ashdown Park,” replied Mr. Bloundel.  “She shall go thither, and her aunt will take every care of her.  The mansion is situated amid the Berkshire hills, and the air is the purest and best in England.”