'You were once unkind to me,' replied Murden, sobbing,--'you hated me! you shunned me!' 'True, for I did not know you.----Yet, I fancied myself infallibly discerning.' She turned her head away. 'Oh do not, do not turn from me!--Miss Valmont, I once talked with you in the Ruin--Do you remember it?' 'Yes.--You were not so ill then, as you are now.' 'And you, Miss Valmont, was well.' 'I did think so,' she said, and sighed. Murden comprehended the fullest force of her meaning. He looked wildly around the apartment. 'Let me go, let me go,' said he eagerly, withdrawing his hand from Sibella and attempting to rise. I beckoned in his two attendants, who lifted him from his seat. 'Will you go, and not bid me farewel, Murden?' asked Sibella. He started at the plaintive tone.--'Stand off!' cried he, 'would ye dare take me from her ere my errand is completed?' 'It is completed, my dear Murden.' said I. 'You have seen Sibella. Bid her farewel, and part.' 'Yes! yes!' said he, sitting down again beside her. 'We shall part--we are now on the very verge of parting.--Oh dear, good Miss Ashburn, bless you for ever!' As he spoke, he pressed each of my hands alternately to his lips.--'Dear dear Miss Ashburn, fare you well!' 'Indeed, Murden, you must go,' said I. 'Must,' repeated he--'must! why I know I must.--I have no choice, Miss Ashburn. But allow me a little longer:--won't you,'--turning to Sibella--'allow me a very little longer?' 'Certainly, I will,' replied Sibella; 'if it will give you satisfaction.' 'Satisfaction!' said he. After a pause, during which he gazed intently on Sibella, his countenance underwent a striking alteration. He made a motion for something to be given to him; but, when the servant approached, he put him aside. His head dropped against the side of the chair; and the hand he had just lifted to his forehead fell upon the bed. Sibella placed it between both of her's. He drew his breath slowly and heavily. Once I thought he had fainted, and offered to support him. 'No! no! no!' he said; and shortly after, I believe he slept. At that time all who were in the apartment observed a profound silence. Sibella in deep thought continued to hold his hand. Sometimes she looked upon Murden; and, in those expressive looks, I read the anguish of her heart. She could not, as Mrs. Beville had supposed, separate his sufferings from her own. I perceived that her emotions were kindling into agony; and I arose from my seat, undetermined which way I could relieve her, when a loud and dreadful groan from Sibella roused Murden from his short interval of forgetfulness. 'Oh! have pity!' said Murden. Sibella uttered a second groan. 'Miss Valmont!' exclaimed Murden.