“I think he is entirely out of danger,” replied Dr. Vaudelier, in reply to Emily’s question.  “Perhaps he will be able to accompany you in a few days.”

Emily blushed, but made no reply, other than a sweet smile, betokening the happiness such an event would give her.

“I fear, madam, the delay will be dangerous,” suggested De Guy, who did not relish the proposition of the doctor.

“Why dangerous?  If Mr. Dumont changes his mind, we have the means of proving that that miserable will is false.”

“You forget, sir, that Mr. Benson may be lost, and with him the will,” interposed Emily, whose love of truth did not enable her to conceal the weakness of her case.

“Indeed!  Is the will in the hands of a third party?” said the attorney, with apparent indifference, while, in reality, he was inwardly chuckling with delight.

“It matters not,” replied the doctor; “the lady’s case is safe.  You can inform Mr. Dumont that his niece will present herself in a week or ten days.”

“But, my dear sir, the delay will be fatal, both to the lady and her uncle,” said the attorney, with alarm.

“It cannot be helped,” said the doctor.

“Mr. Dumont’s health, I fear, will render it unsafe to wait so long.  Miss Dumont does not wish her uncle to die unforgiven.”

“I will go, sir; I will go at once,” exclaimed Emily, shocked at the condition of Jaspar, and anxious, as was her nature, to relieve the sufferings he must endure in her absence.  She forgot how basely he had wronged her—­how he had attempted her life; the divine sentiment, “Love your enemies,” prevailed over every other consideration.

“Die unforgiven,” muttered the doctor.  “Is he sick?”

“He is, sir, and near his end.”

“Why have you not mentioned this circumstance before?  It seems of sufficient importance to merit a passing word.”

“I wished not to distress the lady.  I think I hinted that he was in great distress.”

“I fear some evil, Miss Dumont.”

“Be assured, sir, if Mr. Dumont meditates any further wrong, he has not the power of putting it into effect.  He is prostrate upon his bed, and if his niece does not see him soon, it will be too late, if it is not so already.  The stricken man must soon stand for judgment in another world,” said De Guy, solemnly.

“This alters the case,” said the doctor, musing.

“But, sir,” continued the attorney, “I was aware that, after what has happened, my mission would be attended with many difficulties, and I have not come unprepared to overcome them.  I do not wonder that you have no confidence,—­I confess I should not have, under like circumstances.  You know Dr. Le Verier?” and the attorney drew from his pocket a bundle of papers, and opening one, he glanced at the signature upon it, as he pronounced the name.

“I do, very well,” replied the doctor.

“Our family physician!” exclaimed Emily.