The evening was now advanced, but, after his introduction to the company, he joined in their amusements, and had the pleasure of dancing with both Mrs.
Rosebud and her daughter; and after having concluded his dance with the latter, some tidings reached the room, which struck the whole company with a feeling of awe.

It was at first whispered about, but it at length became the general topic of conversation.

Alice Goodwin was dying, and her parents were in a state of distraction.

Nobody could tell why, but it appeared she was at the last gasp, and that there was some mystery in her malady.

Many speculations were broached upon the subject.