Excuse me, sir; but you must perceive how very ill I have got within a few minutes." "I regret it exceedingly, Miss Goodwin.

I had something to mention to you respecting that unfortunate brother of mine; but you are not now in a condition to hear anything unpleasant and distressing; and, indeed, it is better, I think, now that I observe your state of health, that you should not even wish to hear it." "I never do wish to hear it, sir; but have the goodness to leave me." "I trust my next visit will find you better.

Good-by, Miss Goodwin! I shall send your mother up." [Illustration: PAGE 697-- One long, dark, inexplicable gaze] He withdrew very much after the etiquette of a subject leaving a crowned head--that is, nearly backwards; but when he came to the door he paused a moment, turning upon her one long, dark, inexplicable gaze, whilst the muscles of his hard, stony mouth were drawn back with a smile that contained in its expression a spirit that might be considered complacent, but which Alice interpreted as derisive and diabolical.
"Mamma," said she, when her mother joined her, "I am ill, and I know not what to do." "I know you are not well, my love," replied her mother, "but I hope you're not worse; how do you feel ?" "Quite feeble, utterly without strength, and dreadfully depressed and alarmed." "Alarmed, Alley! Why, what could alarm you?
Does not Mr.Woodward always conduct himself as a gentleman ?" "He does, ma'am; but, nevertheless, I never wish to see him again." "Why, dear me! Alice, is it reasonable that you should give way to such a prejudice against that gentleman?
Indeed I believe you absolutely hate him." "It is not personal hatred, mother; it is fear and terror.

I do not, as I said, hate the man personally, because I must say that he never deserved such a feeling at my hands, but, in the meantime, the sight of him sickens me almost to death.

I am not aware that he is or ever was immoral, or guilty of any act that ought to expose him to hatred; but, notwithstanding that, my impression, when conversing with him, is, that I am in the presence of an evil spirit, or of a man who is possessed of one.