"Ma'am," turning suddenly upon Mrs.Mason, "are there no reserves in the house--no one who can exert influence over the young lady ?" "She has scarcely any relatives in the world," replied the housekeeper; "no near ones; and we happen to be, just now, quite alone." But Mr.Carlyle, seeing the urgency of the case, for the earl, with every minute, grew more excited, approached and whispered her: "You are as anxious as we can be for your father's recovery ?" "_As_ anxious!" she uttered reproachfully.
"You know what I would imply.

Of course our anxiety can be as nothing to yours." "As nothing--_as nothing_.

I think my heart will break." "Then--forgive me--you should not oppose the wishes of his medical attendants.

They wish to be alone with him, and time is being lost." She rose up; she placed her hands on her brow, as if to collect the sense of the words, and then she addressed the doctors,-- "Is it really necessary that I should leave the room--necessary _for him_ ?" "It is necessary, my lady--absolutely essential." She broke into a passion of tears and sobs as Mr.Carlyle lead her to another apartment.
"He is my dear father; I have but him in the wide world!" she exclaimed.
"I know--I know; I feel for you all that you are feeling.

Twenty times this night I have wished--forgive me the thought--that you were my sister, so that I might express my sympathy more freely and comfort you." "Tell me the truth, then, why I am kept away.