“Then what makes her looks so? And what makes her act so? Her cheeks are blooming like roses, and her eyes are sparkling like gems! And her spirits are running away with her! It ain’t natural, say what you will! And if she hasn’t been taking ammonia, or if she isn’t putting all this on, she’s in danger.” “In danger!” echoed Elfie, in alarm. “Yes, child!” “Of what?” “Fever!” “Nonsense, Miss Suzy, you are always trying to frighten one! Danger? Fever? Why, Erminie has been looking and acting just this way all day! Only growing more brilliant and beautiful every hour,” said Elfie, angrily—and all the more so because she secretly shared Miss Suzy’s fears. “Well, my dear, I hope I’m wrong. But at any rate, I think that we had all better go home, especially as it is nearly midnight. And when we are gone you had better get Miss Rosenthal to bed as soon as possible.” And so saying, Miss Suzy proceeded to act upon her own words, by setting the example of departure. The other guests followed in turn. And at a few minutes after twelve the company had all gone, with the exception, of course, of Major Fielding, who was to remain; and Captain Ethel, who Erminie insisted should stay. At a hint dropped by Elfie, these two gentlemen soon took the bed-room candles that were ready for them, and bade good night to their hostess. “Are you tired, Erminie?” anxiously inquired Elfie, as she paused for a moment at the bed-room door of her friend. “Tired? No! not in the least,” laughed Erminie. “Are you sure?” persisted Elfie. “Why, of course I am! I tell you I never felt so well in my life.” “I am glad to hear it; and I won’t detain you. Good night,” said Elfie, kissing her friend and noticing with wonder the still undimmed splendor of her beauty. “Good night,” smiled Erminie, vanishing through the door. Elfie went on to her own chamber, and as soon as her head touched the pillow fell fast asleep. Elfie slept late the next morning, so late, in fact, that she was at last awakened by Catherine, who came to her with a scared face, roused her and said: “If you please, ma’am, I wish you would come to Miss Rosenthal!” “Erminie! what’s the matter with her?” exclaimed Elfie, starting up in alarm. “Indeed I don’t know, ma’am; but she is very ill; and seems to be raving mad.” Elfie sprang out of bed, threw on a dressing gown, thrust her naked feet into slippers, and ran at once to the chamber of Erminie. There upon the bed lay the good and beautiful girl, unconscious of all that was passing around her, and rolling and raving with fever and delirium. In the extremity of terror, Elfie ran down just as she was, to the library, where her father was sitting alone waiting for his breakfast. Breathlessly she told him what had happened, and dispatched him to get a physician, saying that he could get one more quickly than a servant could. Then she hurried back to her tossing and raving friend.