Several days elapsed from this period before Elvira again saw Lord Edmund. She was surprised at his absence; as indeed he was so interwoven in her schemes and plans, that nothing went on well without him. "Will your Majesty have the goodness to affix the royal seal to this ordinance?" asked Lord Gustavus one morning. "I don't know," replied Elvira. "I can't tell what to do. I wish Lord Edmund were here." "He may soon be sent for," said Lord Gustavus pompously. "Though, with all due deference to your Majesty's better judgment, it does not appear to me that his presence is exactly requisite." Lord Edmund, however, was summoned, and he came. But oh! how changed since Elvira had seen him last! His face looked pale and thin, his cheeks were sunken, and his eyes hollow and heavy, whilst his deep voice sounded hoarse and unnatural. Passion had passed through his soul, and withered as it went. Elvira's heart smote her as she gazed upon him. "You have been ill, Edmund!" said she, in tones of melting softness. "Why was I not informed? Surely you could not think I would willingly neglect you? Could you judge so harshly of me?" The firm breast of Edmund softened as she spoke, and tears swam in his eyes as he struggled to reply with calmness--yes, tears; the brave, the warlike Edmund, whose strength of mind and firmness had resisted unequalled dangers, now trembled before a woman. "You must have some advice," continued Elvira. "Dr. Coleman, Dr. Hardman, can you not prescribe for your patient?" "His Lordship appears feverish," said Dr. Coleman. "No doubt he has rested ill." "Yes--yes," rejoined Dr. Hardman, with a malignant smile. "His Lordship's eyes betray his want of rest." "I have been slightly indisposed," said Lord Edmund, rallying his spirits to speak: "but I am better. Is there any thing in which my services can be useful to your Majesty?" "Her Majesty wishes you to inspect this bill," replied Lord Gustavus solemnly, "before she gives it her royal assent." Lord Edmund's eyes sparkled. "Then she still thinks my opinion of importance," thought he. "Lord Edmund's illness, I hope, is passed," said Dr. Hardman maliciously; "for he certainly looks better even since he came into the room." Lord Edmund was better; a sudden revulsion of feeling had taken place within him, and hope was again illumined in his bosom. Passion again rushed through his soul. "She must, she shall, be mine," thought he, whilst fire flashed from his eyes. "The hated law shall be repealed. Difficulties only increase the value of the prize, and they vanish before a determined spirit. What! shall I, before whose arm whole nations have fallen vanquished, shrink like a coward from the first trouble that assails me! Oh, no! I will not be so weak; opposition shall only animate my courage. Treasures would be scarcely worth acceptance if they lay beneath one's feet--a brave man spurns an easy victory! I will exert my powers, and Elvira shall be mine."