They immediately repaired to the sick room, and the spectacle there presented made Mary quiver in every limb.

The sufferer had been placed for convenience on a low couch, and was supported by pillows in an upright position.

A dozen candles burnt around him, and a cloud of incense wreathed slowly along the wall.
The room had been profusely sprinkled with holy water, and a chalice containing the consecrated wafer, sat near.

Gasping for breath, Mr.
Hamilton clasped a crucifix to his lips, though unable from weakness to secure it there; for twice it fell from his fingers, and rolled to the floor.
Father Mazzolin, attired in a surplice ornamented with the insignia of his order, stood beside the bed, holding in one hand a superbly-bound volume--in the other, a silver cup containing oil.
After a moment's pause he opened the book, and hurriedly read in a low, muttering tone, a Latin service of several pages.

At the conclusion he carefully poured out a few drops of the oil, and just touched the palms of the sufferer's hands and the soles of his feet, bidding him at the same time cross himself.