“Come to the door, dear papa, but do not open it, till I speak to you.” Mr. Howard rose. “What pleasant little surprise are you preparing for me, my child?” he said, as he stood with his hand upon the lock. “Papa, dear papa, it is not a pleasant surprise; but you will try to bear it.” The sound of her voice startled him, and Mr. Howard opened the door in the greatest alarm. Leila fell into his arms. “Papa,” she said, as she clung to him and repeatedly kissed his cheek, “papa, you will bear it; God has done it. He knows best. He has struck me blind!” Mr. Howard groaned aloud; he clasped Leila more closely in his arms--he looked upon her face--he could not speak. Charles, in a trembling voice, related all that had taken place. Mr. Howard rallied, and seemed to regain his usual firmness; he turned to Charles,--“Send immediately to Richmond,” he said, “for Dr. B----, and let the coachman get ready to ride to London, I will give him a note. Leila, my own heroic child, I must leave you a moment with Nurse.” The poor woman and Amy were already in the room, both sobbing bitterly; but upon Mr. Howard speaking aside to Nurse, and telling her of the necessity there was for self-command for Leila’s sake, she made a wonderful effort for composure, and seating herself on the couch, she took Leila in her arms, and laid her head gently upon her shoulder, as she used to do when she was a little child. Amy stood by her side, her hands clasped together, and with an expression of the deepest woe, while tears still ran silently down her cheeks. Leila was now quite composed. They heard her whisper, “The worst is over now, my papa knows it all;” and she pressed Nurse’s hand repeatedly, and said she felt better, then drawing Amy towards her, she whispered very low in her ear,--“You will be a good girl, Amy, and not cry, and you will be a great comfort to me--you will lead me every where.” Charles had himself gone off to Richmond on Leila’s pony, but returned unsuccessful; both Dr. B.---- and another to whom he applied were from home. The agony of suspense to all was very great; and though Charles strove hard to restrain his emotion, the tones of his voice betrayed his feelings to Leila every time he tried to address her. Mr. Howard spoke to him aside--he thought it better he should return home. It was a great trial to him, but he instantly obeyed, and stole out of the room without even a word of adieu, he felt that all additional agitation must be carefully avoided. As he went out Leila raised her head and listened. “Some one has left the room,” she said, “it must be Charles. Where has he gone to?” Mr. Howard explained that he had returned home, he thought it better he should do so.