Dame Worthington, and also Sir Richard, visited the prisoner as of yore. They abated nothing of their former kindness—if anything, they loved him all the more—yet Charley’s health visibly declined, nor could his friends imagine the cause thereof. Mental anxiety had laid him upon an hospital bed, and there he lay for many days. The good doctor had watched his case with more than ordinary anxiety and care. When making his usual “rounds” to the patients, he came laughingly to Charley’s bedside one morning, and jocosely observed, as he passed on, “I will not prescribe for this case to-day,” and placed in his patient’s hands the King’s pardon! Surprised beyond measure, Charles read the document time after time, as if distrustful of his senses, and then begged permission to leave the prison walls immediately! The good doctor smiled, and at last permitted it; and Charles, weak, pale, and subdued in spirit, put on his best clothes, and was soon on his way to Dame Worthington’s. It was past the time for dinner. He saw by the light in the parlour that some one was there! The door stood ajar. He went into the passage, and noiselessly entered the parlour! At the harp sat Clara, and behind her Augustus Fumbleton, Esq., who was pressing her to sing. She hesitated much, and begged to be excused. As there were no other persons present, her beau impudently attempted to kiss the player. But this was more than Charley could bear. He quietly advanced, knocked Fumbleton aside, and kissed her himself! Clara’s surprise was great! She gave a little scream, rose from the music-stool, and embraced Charles unreservedly. Fumbleton, Esq., perceived at a glance that he was not at all wanted, and considerably “out of place.” Like a wise youth, he vacated the apartment very expeditiously, and was never seen here more! It was some moments ere Miss Clara was released from the strong arms of Mr. Charles, and even _then_ he seemed much loth to part with the mass of curls which had nestled so affectionately and confidingly around his neck. But her little scream had been heard by Mistress Haylark, who, in maternal anxiety for her fair, accomplished, and only child, quickly arrived upon the scene, puffing and blowing, and, discovering the true state of things, gave a second edition of her daughter’s little scream, and sank upon the capacious sofa completely exhausted with her efforts. Dame Worthington, hearing the rumpus, came into the room. She looked at the youth for one moment, and would have fainted, but Charley supported her. After much kissing and hugging, and re-kissing and re-hugging, she fully recovered, and began laughing and crying and bustling about, preparing a substantial meal for “her boy.” And so the time passed, until a messenger having informed old Sir Richard of the course of events, that worthy and much-esteemed gentleman arrived.