By this time Penelope had gently and gradually disengaged her arm from supporting the head of the poor girl; and Mr Darnley addressed himself to the exhausted and almost expiring patient. But she was unable to make any audible reply to Mr Darnley’s enquiries, but her lips moved and there was a hectic flush which lasted only for a moment, and was succeeded by a paleness more livid than before. She turned her eyes tearfully and gratefully towards Penelope, and thus corroborated by her looks what the old man had said of the kindness of their gentle benefactor. Mr Darnley now felt himself compelled to speak to Miss Primrose; and, considering the habitual haughtiness of his manner and the unfriendly feelings which he had entertained towards her, he spoke with great gentleness. He enquired how long the poor people had been in that miserable abode, and he asked if there was anything which he could do for their assistance. And Penelope thanked him with as much grateful energy of expression as though the kindness were offered to herself, and she added: “It is but little, Sir, that they want, and that little we can easily supply them with. But I wish I could as easily soothe the poor girl’s mind. She reproaches herself so bitterly, and will hear no consolation.” Penelope said this in a low and gentle tone. She was hardly aware that the patient heard her, till poor Ellen’s voice interrupted her, and the sick one spoke audibly and distinctly, and said, “I am happy now.” At hearing this, Mr Darnley and Penelope turned hastily round, and they caught a glimpse of an expiring smile, and they heard the unchecked breath rush through the pale lips of the sufferer, and then poor Ellen’s earthly sorrows were at an end. CHAPTER VIII. It was mentioned in the preceding chapter, that Sir George Aimwell and Colonel Crop most inopportunely met and detained Mr Darnley. This worthy couple, after leaving the rector of Neverden to pursue his walk, lounged lazily towards Neverden Hall, and entered into wise and knowing consultation concerning the commission with which the colonel fancied himself entrusted, as relating to Miss Glossop. The worthy baronet thought and said, that if Lord Spoonbill had any serious intention of marrying Miss Glossop, it would be far more suitable that his lordship should make his personal appearance, and offer his hand regularly and orderly. “Certainly,” said the colonel, “certainly; but you know that his lordship is peculiarly situated.”