Henrietta Temple: A Love Story

  CHAPTER XI.

  _In Which Ferdinand Begins to Be a Little Troublesome_.

  FROM the moment of this happy slumber Ferdinand continued to improve.Each day the bulletin was more favourable, until his progress, thoughslow, was declared certain, and even relapse was no longer apprehended.But his physician would not allow him to see any one of his family. Itwas at night, and during his slumbers, that Lady Armine stole into hisroom to gaze upon her beloved child; and, if he moved in the slightestdegree, faithful to her promise and the injunction of the physician, sheinstantly glided behind his curtain, or a large Indian screen which shehad placed there purposely. Often, indeed, did she remain in this fondlurking-place, silent and trembling, when her child was even awake,listening to every breath, and envying the nurse that might gaze on himundisturbed; nor would she allow any sustenance that he was orderedto be prepared by any but her own fair, fond hands; and she brought itherself even to his door. For Ferdinand himself, though his replies tothe physician sufficiently attested the healthy calmness of his mind, heindeed otherwise never spoke, but lay on his bed without repining,and seemingly plunged in mild and pensive abstraction. At length, onemorning he enquired for Glastonbury, who, with the sanction of thephysician, immediately attended him.

  When he met the eye of that faithful friend he tried to extend his hand.It was so wan that Glastonbury trembled while he touched it.

  'I have given you much trouble,' he said, in a faint voice.

  'I think only of the happiness of your recovery,' said Glastonbury.

  'Yes, I am recovered,' murmured Ferdinand; 'it was not my wish.'

  'Oh! be grateful to God for this great mercy, my Ferdinand.'

  'You have heard nothing?' enquired Ferdinand.

  Glastonbury shook his head.

  'Fear not to speak; I can struggle no more. I am resigned. I am verymuch changed.'

  'You will be happy, dear Ferdinand,' said Glastonbury, to whom this moodgave hopes.

  'Never,' he said, in a more energetic tone; 'never.'

  'There are so many that love you,' said Glastonbury, leading histhoughts to his family.

  'Love!' exclaimed Ferdinand, with a sigh, and in a tone almostreproachful.

  'Your dear mother,' said Glastonbury.

  'Yes! my dear mother,' replied Ferdinand, musingly. Then in a quickertone, 'Does she know of my illness? Did you write to them?'

  'She knows of it.'

  'She will be coming, then. I dread her coming. I can bear to see no one.You, dear Glastonbury, you; it is a consolation to see you, because youhave seen,' and here his voice faltered, 'you have seen--her.'

  'My Ferdinand, think only of your health; and happiness, believe me,will yet be yours.'

  'If you could only find out where she is,' continued Ferdinand, 'and goto her. Yes! my dear Glastonbury, good, dear, Glastonbury, go to her,'he added in an imploring tone; 'she would believe you; everyone believesyou. I cannot go; I am powerless; and if I went, alas! she would notbelieve me.'

  'It is my wish to do everything you desire,' said Glastonbury, 'I shouldbe content to be ever labouring for your happiness. But I can do nothingunless you are calm.'

  'I am calm; I will be calm; I will act entirely as you wish; only Ibeseech you see her.'

  'On that head let us at present say no more,' replied Glastonbury, whofeared that excitement might lead to relapse; yet anxious to soothehim, he added, 'Trust in my humble services ever, and in the bounty of amerciful Providence.'

  'I have had frightful dreams,' said Ferdinand. 'I thought I was in afarm-house; everything was so clear, so vivid. Night after night sheseemed to me sitting on this bed. I touched her; her hand was in mine;it was so burning hot! Once, oh! once, once I thought she had forgivenme!'

  'Hush! hush! hush!'

  'No more: we will speak of her no more. When comes my mother?'

  'You may see her to-morrow, or the day after.'

  'Ah! Glastonbury, she is here.'

  'She is.'

  'Is she alone?'

  'Your father is with her.'

  'My mother and my father. It is well.' Then, after a minute's pause, headded with some earnestness, 'Do not deceive me, Glastonbury; see whatdeceit has brought me to. Are you sure that they are quite alone?'

  'There are none here but your dearest friends; none whose presenceshould give you the slightest care.'

  'There is one,' said Ferdinand.

  'Dear Ferdinand, let me now leave you, or sit by your side in silence.To-morrow you will see your mother.'

  'To-morrow! Ah! to-morrow. Once to me tomorrow was brighter even thanto-day.' He turned his back and spoke no more. Glastonbury glided out ofthe room.