In the meanwhile, Catherine watched by the bedside of Mrs. Clifton, awaiting the return of Major Clifton, with the clergyman and the attorney. About three o’clock in the afternoon the party arrived. The professional gentlemen remained in the parlor, while Major Clifton went up into the chamber of his mother. As he approached her bed, and perceived the fearful change a few hours had wrought in her appearance, and recognized the sure approach of death, he was so shocked, so overwhelmed with sorrow, that it was with the utmost difficulty he could sustain his self-command. She held out to him her wasted hand, saying, quietly— “My dear Archer, I wish to have the marriage ceremony between you and Kate performed this afternoon, if you please.” “Certainly, my dear mother, it shall be as you desire,” he replied, repressing a great groan—but desirous, above all things, to gratify that dying parent. “Shall it be _now_, mother?” “No, dear Archer, not just yet—I want the holiest things left for the _last_—I want the will drawn up, witnessed, signed and sealed _first_; then the marriage ceremony performed; and last, I wish to receive the Holy Communion—after which, I shall be ready to depart.” “Mother—the minister and the lawyer are below stairs, awaiting your leisure—they will remain over to-night. Do not disturb yourself.” “My good Archer, I made Catherine write to Carl Kavanagh and to Mrs. Georgia to come to see me this afternoon, they have not yet arrived. Please go and send again for them.” Archer Clifton bent and kissed his mother’s forehead, and went down stairs. In the hall he saw Carl Kavanagh, hat in hand, waiting. Carl immediately advanced, and said— “Ah! Major Clifton, I am waiting here to see my sister to return to her this note, that she has sent me by mistake I think—perhaps you can explain it.” And he handed to Archer Clifton the mis-sent note of Catherine to Georgia. Major Clifton understood the mistake at once, and retaining the note, replied— “Catherine wrote two notes, summoning yourself and Mrs. Georgia Clifton to Hardbargain, this afternoon, to witness the signature of a certain document. She placed them in envelopes, and in her haste misdirected them—that is all. Pray remain here, while I ride over home, and bring Mrs. Georgia.” Carl Kavanagh sat down in the hall, and Major Clifton mounted a fresh horse, and galloped over to White Cliffs. Dismounting at the gate, he threw the reins to a servant and entering the house, sent a message to Mrs. Georgia. The servant returned, and requesting Major Clifton to follow, led the way up to Mrs. Georgia’s own room, opened the door, announced the visitor, and retired. Archer entered the room, and found the lady seated at her work-table, but looking pale and anxious. By her work-box lay the envelope of Kate’s true note with the forged note in it. “Ah!” said Major Clifton, after greeting her, “I see that you have received Kate’s note.”