For a short time the
perspiration was profuse, and the restlessness of Edward subsided into
a deep slumber.
"Thank Heaven! there are then hopes."
"Did you say there were hopes?" repeated a voice behind him.
Humphrey turned round and perceived Patience and Clara behind him, who
had come in without his observing it.
"Yes," replied Humphrey, looking reproachfully at Patience, "there are
hopes, by what the surgeon said to me--hopes that he may yet be able
to quit this house which he was so unfortunate as to enter."
This was a harsh and rude speech of Humphrey; but he considered that
Patience Heatherstone had been the cause of his brother's dangerous
state, and that she had not behaved well to him.
Patience made no reply, but falling down on her knees by the bedside,
prayed silently; and Humphrey's heart smote him for what he had said
to her. "She can not be so bad," thought Humphrey, as Patience and
Clara quitted the room without the least noise.
Shortly afterward the intendant came up into the room and offered his
hand to Humphrey, who pretended not to see it, and did not take it.
"He has got Arnwood: that is enough for him," thought Humphrey; "but
my hand in friendship he shall not receive."
The intendant put his hand within the clothes, and feeling the high
perspiration that Edward was in, said--
"I thank thee, O God! for all thy mercies, and that thou hast been
pleased to spare this valuable life.
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