CHAPTER XVI.
Mr.Weston and Phillis returned to the sick-room from the funeral.

Fever was doing its work with the fair being, the beloved of many hearts, who was unconscious of aught that was passing around her.

There was a startling light from the depths of her blue eyes; their natural softness of expression gone.

The crimson glow had flushed into a hectic; the hot breath from her parted lips was drying away their moisture.

The rich, mournful tones of her voice echoed in sad wailing through the chambers; it constantly and plaintively said Mother! though that mother answered in vain to its appeal.