"That's right; and now, my dearest, go off and get some rest. You must be very tired." [Illustration: "The Earl Gasped--'Judas!'"] So Zillah went off, and Hilda remained with the Earl. Day was just dawning when Zillah left the Earl's room. She stooped over him and kissed him. Overcome by fatigue, she did not think much of the earnest, wistful gaze which caught her eyes. Was it not the same look which he had fixed on her frequently before? The Earl again drew her down as she clasped his hand. She stooped over him. "I'm afraid of _her_," he said, in a low whisper. "Send Mrs. Hart." Mrs. Hart? The Earl did not seem to know that she was ill. No doubt his mind was wandering. So Zillah thought, and the idea was natural. She thought she would humor the delirious fancy. So she promised to send Mrs. Hart. "What did he say?" asked Hilda, following Zillah out. Zillah told her according to her own idea. "Oh, it's only his delirium," said Hilda. "He'll take me for you when I go back. Don't let it trouble you. You might send Mathilde if you feel afraid; but I hardly think that Mathilde would be so useful here as I." "_I_ afraid? My dear Hilda, can I take his poor delirious fancy in earnest? Send Mathilde? I should hardly expect to see him alive again." "Alive again!" said Hilda, with a singular intonation. "Yes; Mathilde is an excellent maid, but in a sick-room she is as helpless as a child. She is far worse than I am. Do we ever venture to leave him alone with her?" "Never mind. Do you go to sleep, darling, and sweet dreams to you." They kissed, and Zillah went to her chamber. It was about dawn, and the morning twilight but dimly illumined the hall. The Earl's room was dark, and the faint night light made objects only indistinctly perceptible. The Earl's white face was turned toward the door as Hilda entered, with imploring, wistful expectancy upon it. As he caught sight of Hilda the expression turned to one of fear--that same fear which Zillah had seen upon it. What did he fear? What was it that was upon his mind? What fearful thought threw its shadow over his soul?