Lady Cecil had existed for some days in a state of frightful delirium,

and, during that time, her ravings had been so loud and continued, that

her present repose was elysium to those who loved her. Constance bent

her knees, and prayed in silence, long and fervently, for support. Sir

Robert, leaning back in the richly-cushioned chair, covered his face

with his hands, withdrawing them only when the sleeper groaned or

breathed more heavily. At length both felt as if death had indeed

entered the chamber, so motionless lay the object of their love: they

continued gazing from each other to the couch, until the misty light of

morning streamed coldly through the open shutters. Another hour of sad

watching passed, and, with a long and deeply drawn sigh, the sufferer

opened her eyes: they were no longer wild and wandering, but rested with

calm intelligence on her husband and her child.

"It is long since I have seen you, except in strange dreams," she said,

or rather murmured; "and now I shall be with you but for a very little

time!"

Constance put to her lips a silver cup containing some refreshment,

while Sir Robert supported her head on his arm.

"Call no one in. Constance--Cecil--my moments now are numbered:--draw

back the curtains, that I may once more look upon the light of morning!"

Constance obeyed; and the full beams of day entered the room. "How

beautiful! how glorious!" repeated the dying woman, as her sight drank

in the reviving light; "it heralds me to immortality--where there is no

darkness--no disappointment--no evil! How pale are the rays of that

lamp, Cecil! How feeble man's inventions, contrasted with the works of

the Almighty!" Constance rose to extinguish it. "Let it be," she

continued, feebly; "let it be, dearest; it has illumined my last night,

and we will expire together." The affectionate daughter turned away to

hide her tears; but when did the emotion of a beloved child escape a

mother's notice?--"Alas! my noble Constance weeping! I thought she, at

all events, could have spared me this trial:--leave us for a few

moments; let me not see you weep, Constance--let me not see it--tears

enough have fallen in these halls;--do not mourn, my child, that your

mother will find rest at last."

How often did Constantia remember these words! How often, when the heart

that dictated such gentle chiding, had ceased to beat, did Constantia

Cecil, gazing into the depths of the blue and mysterious sky, think upon

her mother in heaven!




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