He heeded not her question, but strode to the bed, and whispered in Mr.Hamilton's ear.

The invalid, in a voice so feeble that it was scarce audible, requested them to leave him with the Padre for an hour, as he wished to converse with him alone.

Mrs.Carlton perfectly well understood that he but repeated the priest's orders, and perceiving that nothing could now be effected, left the room accompanied by Florence.

But Mary clung to the bed, and refused to go.
"You have taken advantage of my uncle's weakness to force yourself where your presence is unwelcome, and I will not leave him when he is too weak to oppose your orders." He strove to force her out, but she clung firmly to the bed; and muttering an oath between his teeth, he turned to the sufferer, and spoke in an unknown tongue; a feeble response in the same language seemed to satisfy him, and darting a triumphant glance at the kneeling girl, he seated himself, and conversed for nearly an hour.

Then offering up a Latin prayer, departed, promising to come again.
Mrs.Carlton had not left the house; she waited anxiously for Mary.
And when Florence re-entered the sick room, the former hastened to her friend.
"Oh, I did all I could to prevent it!" cried Mary, in despair.