As winter advanced towards spring, her mind “brightened more and more towards the perfect day.” She had gleaned, partly from scraps of speech carelessly dropped, and partly by inquiry, the history of Frank’s captivity among the Shoshonowas, that first originated the report of his death—and she was very gradually brought to understand the true position of affairs—so gradually through so many weeks, that the knowledge may be said rather to have slowly grown upon her. But as her mind cleared and strengthened, her heart became saddened and depressed. She understood too much now for her happiness. She no longer lay and watched her husband with a delighted smile as he sat beside her bed—no, but rather with a look of earnest, mournful love. Well she might. Frank was sad enough—he thought his heart was breaking. One day, while lying propped up by pillows, she heard the name of Mrs. Georgia Clifton mentioned. “Is she in the city?” inquired she. “Yes, love,” replied her husband. “Send for her to come and see me—I _must_ see her.” Captain Fairfax arose and left the room immediately, and instead of sending a servant, went himself to bring Mrs. Georgia. For so great was his desire to gratify promptly every wish of his loved one’s heart, that he seldom trusted the execution of them to any but himself, lest they should fail or be delayed. It was well in this instance, at least, that he went in person. A servant could not have effected the purpose. The conscience-stricken Georgia would not have ventured to come. Even when unannounced, by reason of his haste, Captain Fairfax entered her parlor, the beauty turned deadly pale, under the fear of detected guilt. But when she saw his calm, kind manner, and heard him entreat, as a favor, that she would put on her bonnet immediately, and return with him to see his wife, who was extremely ill at Fairview, the sorceress was reassured, and with her usual bewitching grace consented to accompany him. When they arrived at Fairview House, and were shown up into the sick chamber, the patient smiled and held out her hands. Georgia hastened towards her, and seized both hands, covering them with kisses, and making a show of great emotion. Zuleime raised her feeble voice, and begged all to go out of the room, and leave her alone with her visitor. And when every one had departed, and the door was closed, she said—