In a quarter of an hour he had the delight of perceiving that Amine was in a profuse perspiration; gradually her breathing became less heavy, and instead of the passive state in which she had remained, she moved, and became restless.  Philip watched, and replaced the clothes as she threw them off, until she at last appeared to have fallen into a profound and sweet sleep.  Shortly after, Father Seysen and the physician made their appearance.  Philip stated, in few words, what had occurred.  The doctor went to the bedside, and in half a minute returned.

“Your wife is spared to you, Mynheer, but it is not advisable that she should see you so unexpectedly; the shock may be too great in her weak state; she must be allowed to sleep as long as possible; on her awaking she will have returned to reason.  You must leave her then to Father Seysen.”

“May I not remain in the room until she wakes?  I will then hasten away unobserved.”

“That will be useless; the disease is contagious, and you have been here too long already.  Remain below; you must change your clothes, and see that they prepare a bed for her in another room, to which she must be transported as soon as you think she can bear it; and then let these windows be thrown open, that the room may be properly ventilated.  It will not do to have a wife just rescued from the jaws of death run the risk of falling a sacrifice to the attentions necessary to a sick husband.”

Philip perceived the prudence of this advice, and quitting the room with the medical man, he went and changed his clothes, and then joined Father Mathias, whom he found in the parlour below.

“You were right, father,” said Philip, throwing himself on the sofa.

“I am old and suspicious, you are young and buoyant, Philip; but I trust all may yet be well.”

“I trust so too,” replied Philip.  He then remained silent and absorbed in thought, for now that the imminent danger was over, he was reflecting upon what Father Seysen had communicated to him relative to Amine’s having revealed the secret whilst in a state of mental aberration.  The priest perceiving that his mind was occupied, did not interrupt him.  An hour had thus passed, when Father Seysen entered the room.

“Return thanks to Heaven, my son.  Amine has awakened, and is perfectly sensible and collected.  There is now little doubt of her recovery.  She has taken the restorative ordered by the doctor, though she was so anxious to repose once more, that she could hardly be persuaded to swallow it.  She is now again fast asleep, and watched by one of the maidens, and in all probability will not move for many hours; but every moment of such sleep is precious, and she must not be disturbed.  I will now see to some refreshment, which must be needful to us all.  Philip, you have not introduced me to your companion, who, I perceive, is of my own calling.”

“Forgive me, sir,” replied Philip; “you will have great pleasure in making acquaintance with Father Mathias, who has promised to reside with me, I trust, for some time.  I will leave you together, and see to the breakfast being prepared, for the delay of which I trust Father Mathias will accept my apology.”