Delmé arose immediately; and at George's earnest solicitation, entered the room. Her left cheek, suffused with hectic, rested on one small hand. The other arm was thrown over the bed-clothes. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds. Her lips murmured indistinctly--the mind was evidently wandering. A man and horse were sent express to Naples. The whole of that weary day, George Delmé was by Acmé's side, preparing cooling drinks, and vainly endeavouring to be calm. As the delirium continued, she seemed to be transported to the scenes of her early youth, As night wore on, the fever, if it were such, gradually increased. George's state of mind bordered on distraction. Sir Henry became exceedingly alarmed, and anxious for the presence of the medical attendant. At about four o'clock the following morning, Doctor Pormont was announced, Cold and forbidding as was his aspect, George hailed him as his tutelary angel, and burst into tears, as he implored him to exert his skill to the uttermost. The physician approached the invalid, and in a moment saw that the case was a critical one. His patient was bled twice during the day, and strong opiates administered. Towards evening, she slept; and awoke with restored consciousness, but with feelings keenly alive to her own danger. The following night and day she lingered on, speaking but little. During the whole of that time, even, when she slept, George's hand remained locked in hers. On this, her tears would sometimes fall, but these she strove to restrain. To the others around her, she spoke gratefully, and with feminine softness; but her whole heart seemed to be with George. Doctor Pormont, to do him justice, was unremitting in his exertions, and hardly took rest. All his professional skill was called to her aid; but from the second day, he saw it was in vain. The strength of the invalid failed her more and more. Doctor Pormont at length called Sir Henry on one side, and informed him that he entertained no doubt of a fatal result; and recommended his at once procuring such religious consolation as might be in his power. No Protestant clergyman was near at hand, even had Delmé thought it adviseable to procure one. But he was well aware, that however Acme might have sympathised with George, her earlier religious impressions would now in all probability be revived. A Catholic priest was sent for, and arrived quickly. He was habited in the brown garb of his order, his waist girt with a knotted cord. He bore in his hand the sainted pyx, and commenced to shrive the dying girl. It was the soft hour of sunset, and the prospect in rear of the mansion, presented a wide sea of rich coloured splendour. Over the window, had been placed a sheet, in order to exclude the light from the invalid's chamber. The priest knelt by her bedside; and folding his hands together, began to pray.