"God forgive me!" she wailed. "I did not indeed know you, but you have robbed me of my poor boy's love." "No, no," whispered Miss Carr softly. "No, no, dear mother, we will love you more and more." Miriam Carr's place was by the sick man's pillow all that afternoon and evening, and right through the weary night. I had been to Westmouth Street to say that she might not return, and at her wish had brought back from Harley Street one of the most eminent men in the profession, who held a consultation with Hallett's doctor. The great man endorsed all that had been done, and sent joy into every breast as he said that the crisis was past, but that on no account was the patient to be roused. And all that night he slept, and on and on till about eight o'clock the next morning, Miss Carr never once leaving his side, or ceasing to watch with sleepless eyes for the slightest change. I had gone softly into the room the next morning, just as he uttered a low sigh and opened his eyes. "Ah, Antony," he said in a low whisper, "I have had such a happy, happy dream! I dreamed that--Oh, God, I thank Thee--it was true!" For just then there was a slight movement by his pillow, and the next moment his poor weary head was resting upon Miriam's breast. CHAPTER FIFTY NINE. MY INHERITANCE. "Oh, Master Antony, ain't she a' angel!" exclaimed Mary. This was one day during Stephen Hallett's convalescence, for from the hour of Miriam Carr's visit, he had steadily begun to mend. He showed no disposition, however, to take advantage of his position, and I was not a spectator of his further interviews with Miss Carr. She looked brighter and happier than I had seen her look for a long time, and by degrees I learned that with his returning strength Hallett had determined upon achieving success before he would ask her to be his wife. He asked her, so she told me, if he had not her to thank for the assistance he had received, and she had confessed to the little deception, begging him to let her help him in the future; but this he had refused. "No," he said; "let me be worthy of you, Miriam. I shall be happier if I try," and she gave way, after exacting a promise from him that if he really needed her assistance he would speak. Hallett seemed rapidly to regain his strength now, and appeared to be living a new life as he devoted himself heart and soul to the perfection of his invention. I believe that I honestly worked as hard, but, in spite of all our efforts, nine months passed away, and still the work was not complete. It was a pleasant time, though, and I could not help noticing the change that had come over Miriam Carr. Her sister's husband had given up his appointment, and was now in town, residing with his young wife in Westmouth Street, where, about once a fortnight, there was a meeting, when Hallett would take Linny, and Tom Girtley, Mr Ruddle, and several of our friends would assemble.