A rush up-stairs on the part of most of the young men brought to light the awful fact that Mr.Denis had retired to his chamber, a prey to sudden and acute indisposition.
"Dear me!" said Charles to Lady Mary, with a dismal shake of his head, "how precarious is life! Here to-day, and in bed to-morrow.

Support your aunt Mary, my dear Evelyn; she wishes to retire to rest.

Indeed, we may as well all go to bed, for there will be no more acting to-night without poor Denis.

I only trust he may be spared to us till to-morrow, and that he may be well enough to die by my hand to-morrow evening." We all dispersed for the night in some anxiety.

The play could not proceed without Mr.Denis, who took an important part; and Sir George ruefully informed me that all the neighboring houses had been filled for these theatricals, and that great numbers of people were expected.