“Where is Captain Hepburn?” added Hilary, after a pause, turning her head on the pillow of the sofa where she was lying. “Is he gone?” “He went away yesterday morning, and hopes to come back again soon. He promised he would return as soon as he could.” There was another pause; then Hilary asked―― “Did you see him yesterday?” “He called here to say good-by, and hear the last account of you!” “Why did he go, did he tell you?” “Business, indispensable business,” said Sybil, fearful of distressing her sister by announcing his appointment, and the expected consequences to Maurice, who, Hilary well knew, had always reckoned on going with him. “Business!” repeated Hilary, looking anxiously at her sister, “that is a vague term; however, I suppose I have no right to question about it. Gone without my being able to thank him! I should have liked to do that!” “I gave him your message, dear Hilary; do you remember what you told me to say?” “Yes, and he――what did he say, Sybil?” said her sister, eager to hear something, she hardly knew what. Sybil repeated Captain Hepburn’s message verbatim, and with emphasis. It was listened to with silence, but after a long pause she repeated――“Duty.” “The fact is,” added Sybil, seeing she was perplexing herself about his departure, “he has been appointed to the command of the _Pandanus_, a fine new screw steamer, one of the finest in the service, he says; and he has gone down to Woolwich, where she is fitting out.” “Will he take Maurice?” exclaimed Hilary, eagerly. “Oh, I hope he will!” “They both expect it, but there has not been time yet; he only went yesterday; now do lie still, dear, or you will bring on your fever again, and we shall not go home on Monday.” Hilary laid her head back on her pillows, and remained perfectly quiet for the rest of the evening. She resolved not to think of Captain Hepburn, or to bewilder herself in conjectures relative to any thing uncertain or unpleasant; she resolutely quieted her mind, banishing doubt and conjecture, which are worse and more irritating to the weak, than certainty of evil, and dwelling only on soothing subjects. Her self-discipline and mental government were successful, and were rewarded by finding her strength as much improved the next day as she could have expected. She was able to resume her usual dress, and sit up in the adjoining room, where the balmy air of a sweet summer Sunday morning seemed every minute to add to her strength. She kept her resolution, however, of not going down stairs, or joining the family party, in spite of Victoria’s urgent entreaties. It was quite true, that her head would not as yet bear much noise, and she had no intention of risking a relapse, by taking liberties too early.