“A letter found on his clothes tells us the origin of the quarrel.  I have had an interview with Lord M. this morning.  I cannot say I think him exactly to blame:  Richard forced him to fight.  At least I do not select him the foremost for blame.  He was deeply and sincerely affected by the calamity he has caused.  Alas! he was only an instrument.  Your poor aunt is utterly prostrate and talks strange things of her daughter’s death.  She is only happy in drudging.  Dr. Bairam says we must under any circumstances keep her employed.  Whilst she is doing something, she can chat freely, but the moment her hands are not occupied she gives me an idea that she is going into a fit.

“We expect the dear child’s uncle to-day.  Mr. Thompson is here.  I have taken him upstairs to look at her.  That poor young man has a true heart.

“Come at once.  You will not be in time to see her.  She will lie at Raynham.  If you could you would see an angel.  He sits by her side for hours.  I can give you no description of her beauty.

“You will not delay, I know, dear Austin, and I want you, for your presence will make me more charitable than I find it possible to be.  Have you noticed the expression in the eyes of blind men?  That is just how Richard looks, as he lies there silent in his bed—­striving to image her on his brain.”

THE END

ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: 

A maker of Proverbs—­what is he but a narrow mind wit
Feeling, nothing beyond a lively interest in her well-being
Further she read, “Which is the coward among us?”
Gentleman who does so much ’cause he says so little
Hermits enamoured of wind and rain
Heroine, in common with the hero, has her ambition to be of use
I rather like to hear a woman swear.  It embellishes her! 
I beg of my husband, and all kind people who may have the care
Intensely communicative, but inarticulate
Just bad inquirin’ too close among men
January was watering and freezing old earth by turns
South-western Island has few attractions to other than invalids
Take ’em somethin’ like Providence—­as they come
Task of reclaiming a bad man is extremely seductive to good women
This was a totally different case from the antecedent ones