For a few moments the venerable pastor held back in respect to the sacredness of the brother’s grief. Then he went slowly to the side of Justin, took his hand, and said: “You know how much I feel with you. My grief and sense of loss is scarcely less than your own. But we know also where to look for strength to endure.” Justin wrung the pastor’s hand in silence, and then sunk down in the chair that some friendly hand had placed for him. Leaving the three faithful guardians by the bedside of the sinking girl, Elfie went down to have all manner of comforts and refreshments prepared for the newly arrived brother. And then, when she had made everything ready, she returned to the chamber of Erminie, and whispered to Justin that his dressing-room was prepared, and that his luncheon would be put upon the table as soon as he should be ready to eat it. More for the purpose of getting away to indulge his sorrow in solitude than for any other reason, Justin arose and left the chamber. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE GHOSTLY VISITOR. Hushed were his angel’s lips, but still their bland And beautiful expression seemed to melt With love that could not die.—CAMPBELL. “You should lie down and try to get some rest, my poor child. You look quite worn out,” whispered Dr. Sales, looking compassionately on Elfie’s thin, white face, and tremulous frame. “I will, when Justin returns to the room. I must sleep an hour or two this afternoon, so as to be able to watch with her through the night, if indeed she should live so long,” assented Elfie. And when Justin resumed his place by the bedside, Elfie retired to seek her much needed sleep, warning them all to have her called if any change should take place in Erminie. It was as well Elfie went away when she did, for if she had remained in the sick room five minutes longer, no one would have been able to persuade her to go to rest. For scarcely was the tired girl safe within her sanctuary, before old Frederica came hobbling up stairs, and put her head into the door of the sick room. Justin arose softly and went to her. “What is it, Frederica?” he asked. “I want Miss Elfie.” “She has gone to lie down. She must not be disturbed on any account. Can I supply her place?” “Well, she asked for Miss Elfie, sir. But if Miss Elfie can’t see her, I suppose you can.” “See—who?” “Miss Conyers, sir.” “MISS CONYERS!” exclaimed Justin. And all the joy his sorrow could admit for companionship rushed into his heart. But then came wonder and perplexity, and he repeated slowly—“_Miss Conyers?_” “Yes, sir, Miss Conyers, and she’s just offen a long journey, and she looks completely wored out.” “I will see her immediately,” said Justin. And he stole to the bedside, whispered the news of the arrival to Dr. Sales, and then he followed old Frederica from the room, and down the stairs. He opened the library door.