Alice waited eagerly to speak to me when I came from the library, but I only could speak two or three words to her, and then hastened out, to relieve the oppression on my spirit if I could. It was a dreadful thought to carry with me and ponder upon, and when I was walking fast along a lonely wood, half a mile out of Cambridge, it suddenly occurred to me what danger there was in leaving home, even for an hour. Before I returned, the blow might fall--it might be falling even now. I turned at once and went hastily homewards, my heart sick with anxiety and terror. When I nearly reached the house, I met Mr. Osborne; though I knew he would detain me, I was yet very anxious to speak to him, for perhaps he would give me some hope. He was speaking to some one, but he saw that I waited for him, and immediately left his former companion and came to me. "No other young lady in the world would do me so much honor," said Mr. Osborne, in the gay good-humored tone which was usual to him, but which jarred so much upon my feelings. "Oh! Hester, what's this? why do you look so much excited? Have you something important to tell me? I have almost expected it, do you know." I was very sorry, but I could not help the burning heat which came to my face; and I could not lift my eyes for the moment to meet his saucy eyes which seemed to read my thoughts. What had I to do with such thoughts! I cast them from me with bitter self-indignation, and looked up at him at last with a face so grave that he smiled on me no more. "I want to speak to you about papa, Mr. Osborne," I said. "Will _you_ tell me?--you must know. He thinks he is very ill. He thinks--oh! tell me if you think he is so bad as that." For an instant his face grew very serious. "I am not qualified to give an opinion," he said, first; and then, regaining his usual look, with an effort, he continued, "He is not well, Hester; but quite well and very ill are a long way from each other. I do not think he is very bad--I do not, indeed. I see no need for your alarming yourself." "But he speaks of danger and of sudden--" I could not say the fatal word. "Has he any foundation for it; do you think he is right, Mr. Osborne?" I continued with a shudder. "I do not think he is right, Hester. I think that you ought not to be frightened with such a ghastly doubt as this," said Mr. Osborne, seriously, "your father has fancies, as every man in weak health has; but I know enough of his illness, I think--I am almost sure--to give you confidence on this point. If anything sudden should occur, it will not be without long and abundant warning--a sudden or immediate blow is not to be feared. I assure you I am right, Hester, you may trust to me."