In her after-life Amy enjoyed many and great blessings; but she could never recur to any which equalled the pure, intense pleasure of that moment. Colonel Herbert's return seemed the restoration of both her parents; and even before she had again looked in her father's face, and wondered at the strangeness of his sudden arrival, she had thought of the unspeakable relief her mother would experience, and involuntarily rushed to the door of her chamber. She was stopped, however, by Mr Harrington. "We must be careful," he said; "your mamma is too weak to bear such a surprise. I will break it to her gently." "Mamma is moving," said Amy; "she will hear us. May I not go?" Mrs Herbert had caught the sound of voices, and asked if Amy were there. "There is nothing to be done, then," said Mr Harrington, in answer to Amy's imploring look; "but remember you must be cautious." Colonel Herbert came forward and stationed himself near the door. "I cannot bear this long," he whispered. "Amy, my darling child, I must go to her soon," and Amy, unable to restrain her own eagerness, answered her mothers summons. "Who is in the ante-room?" said Mrs Herbert. "You were speaking to some one." "My uncle was there," answered Amy; "he did not know at first that you were asleep." "Is it late?" asked Mrs Herbert. "You look so flushed, my love; have you been dancing much?" "No, not much, mamma; there were so many; and I sat still a great while, and then I came up to you." "I must have slept very long," said Mrs Herbert; "and I would willingly sleep for ever, if my dreams could be as happy; but I will not murmur; it is an infinite blessing to have an hour's rest to the mind, even if it be unreal." "It may be real soon, mamma," said Amy, and her voice trembled as she spoke. Mrs Herbert looked at her anxiously. "You are worn out with excitement and fatigue, my dear; that flush on your cheek is very unnatural." "I don't feel tired at all, mamma," replied Amy; "but my face is rather burning, I think." "There is something the matter, I am sure," said her mother; "you never looked so before. Are you sure you have not been vexed at anything?" "Vexed! oh no! mamma, anything but that." "You must go to bed soon," said Mrs Herbert, "or you will certainly be ill to-morrow." "I had rather not go to bed," replied Amy; "I could not sleep if I did." "Not sleep!" repeated Mrs Herbert; "then you must be ill, my dear child, or," she added, after again gazing upon Amy intently, "there must be something very unusual to prevent it." Amy did not reply, her lip quivered, and her self-command almost forsook her. "There is something," said Mrs Herbert, starting up, "I am sure there is. Oh! tell me quickly, is it sorrow!" "No, no, mamma," exclaimed Amy, as she knelt at her mother's side, and hid her face in her lap, "it is not sorrow,--it is great, great joy; but my uncle says you will not be able to bear it." "Is he come?" asked Mrs Herbert, in a low, half audible voice.