pale and languid, and sitting down by his niece, he shed tears like an infant. “The coach is preparing,” said he at length, “can you make the effort my child? I leave not this accursed house without you.”—“I am much better, I am able to go any where with you,” replied the poor girl; “but my dear, dear uncle! leave not my aunt in displeasure; indeed she is very sorry for what has passed, indeed I had entirely forgiven her.”—“Name her not,” answered the captain with emotion; “go to your parents’ grave; see her work _there_! Remember the protection she promised you! But I will be just,” continued he, suppressing his rising passions, “to my credulity, to my easy faith, you must attribute these scourges. But who,” continued he, turning to us, “could have conceived that any hand could have inflicted such cruelty on a creature like _this_, and that hand a sister’s! But we will depart, my child, to that home where your bruises will be healed, and I shall be justly reproved for the pride and ambition which caused them. Your asylum is secure, and you will have bread and peace.” My hitherto restrained tears now flowed abundantly: it was well for me they did, for the throbbing in my temples was excruciating. I attempted to speak; but I could only say with extreme emotion, “Dismiss your fears for her, her happiness shall be my care.” A look was the thanks I received. The coach drew up, and Malcolm entered the room. Whilst Mrs. Allen prepared Mary, he said in a whisper, “I leave my father to you. Miss Flint is in strong convulsions, the doctor is sent for, and my mother is dreadfully alarmed.” He carried Mary to the carriage, and accompanied her and the captain to the Abbey. Mrs. Allen went to assist Lady Maclairn, and I to perform a duty which was become pressing, for I had not seen Sir Murdock from the first signal of alarm. I recollected this circumstance with a sensation of terror undefinable at this moment; and quickening my steps, met a servant whom I believe I frightened by my eagerness, for in reply to my question, he said, with some hesitation of manner, that he had seen Sir Murdock go into the garden, and, if I pleased, he would go with me to look for him. I saw the conclusion he had drawn, and therefore, with collected ease, replied that I should soon meet him.