The invalid Was tossing restlessly from side to side, and on the pillow lay a rosary and crucifix.

For an instant she stood motionless; then sprang forward, and clasped his burning hand in hers.

"Uncle! dear uncle! tell me who has been with you! Aunt Lizzy promised she would not leave you till we came back You have been excited: your hands are burning with fever!" "I was not alone, Mary; the Padre sat and talked with me;" as the sufferer spoke, he shuddered and closed his eyes.
"And did he leave these here!" said she, taking up the crucifix and rosary.
"No, no! they are mine!" and he snatched them from her.
Mary turned pale, and leaned against the bed for support.

Florence, now bending over her father, motioned to her cousin to be silent; without effect, however; for, passing round the bed, she knelt beside him.

"Uncle, was it by your desire that the Padre came here this evening ?" He did not seem to hear her question; she repeated it.
"Yes; that is, this is not his first visit." "Uncle, why do you evade me?
Tell me, I entreat you, if he did not force himself here in my absence!" "Mary, will you drive my father delirious with your interference with his wishes ?" "No, Florry, not when I am convinced that such are his wishes.