As to any love scene now, it was quite out of the question, notwithstanding all his mother's hints and management; a new exciting thought entirely filled him: was he a Cain, a fratricide, or not?
was Charles alive after all?
And, for once in his life, Julian had some repentant feelings; for thrilling hope was nigh to cheer his gloom.
It really seemed as if Emily, sweet innocent, could read his inmost thoughts.

"At any rate," observed she, playfully, "Bayard may take the postman's privilege, and see the outside." With that, she produced the ship-letter that had put her in such spirits, legibly dated some twenty-two days ago.

Yes, Charles's hand, sure enough! Julian could swear to it among a thousand.

And he fainted dead away.
What an astonishing event! how Mrs.Tracy praised her noble-spirited boy! How the bells rang! and hot water, and cold water, and salts, and rubbings, and _eau de Cologne_, and all manner of delicate attentions, long sustained, at length contributed to Julian's restoration.

Moreover, even Emily was agreeably surprised; she had never seen him in so amiable a light before; this was all feeling, all affection for his brother--her dear--dear Charles.