with anticipations of impending calamity, which it may please God to
avert in your case as it has done in mine; and here comes a sight
which bears good assurance of it."

The door of the apartment opened as she spoke, and two lovely children
entered. The eldest, Julian Peveril, a fine boy betwixt four and five
years old, led in his hand, with an air of dignified support and
attention, a little girl of eighteen months, who rolled and tottered
along, keeping herself with difficulty upright by the assistance of
her elder, stronger, and masculine companion.

Bridgenorth cast a hasty and fearful glance upon the countenance of
his daughter, and, even in that glimpse, perceived, with exquisite
delight, that his fears were unfounded. He caught her in his arms,
pressed her to his heart, and the child, though at first alarmed at
the vehemence of his caresses, presently, as if prompted by Nature,
smiled in reply to them. Again he held her at some distance from him,
and examined her more attentively; he satisfied himself that the
complexion of the young cherub he had in his arms was not the hectic
tinge of disease, but the clear hue of ruddy health; and that though
her little frame was slight, it was firm and springy.

"I did not think that it could have been thus," he said, looking to
Lady Peveril, who had sat observing the scene with great pleasure;
"but praise be to God in the first instance, and next, thanks to you,
madam, who have been His instrument."

"Julian must lose his playfellow now, I suppose?" said the lady; "but
the Hall is not distant, and I will see my little charge often. Dame
Martha, the housekeeper at Moultrassie, has sense, and is careful. I