He gradually regained his strength, but the progress of his recovery was slow and doubtful.

One evening He seemed to be in better spirits than usual: Agnes and her Lover, the Duke, Virginia, and her Parents were sitting round him.

He now for the first time entreated his Sister to inform him how She had escaped the effects of the poison which St.Ursula had seen her swallow.

Fearful of recalling those scenes to his mind in which Antonia had perished, She had hitherto concealed from him the history of her sufferings.

As He now started the subject himself, and thinking that perhaps the narrative of her sorrows might draw him from the contemplation of those on which He dwelt too constantly, She immediately complied with his request.