I feel happy now.' Then she turned round and fell asleep again, but
quietly as a child, the tears dried, the smile resting."

"Go, my dear friend, go; take Lilian away from this place as soon as you
can; divert her mind with fresh scenes. I hope!--I do hope! Let me know
where you fix yourself. I will seize a holiday,--I need one; I will
arrange as to my patients; I will come to the same place; she need not
know of it, but I must be by to watch, to hear your news of her. Heaven
bless you for what you have said! I hope!--I do hope!"




CHAPTER LIV.

Some days after, I received a few lines from Mrs. Ashleigh. Her
arrangements for departure were made. They were to start the next
morning. She had fixed on going into the north of Devonshire, and staying
some weeks either at Ilfracombe or Lynton, whichever place Lilian
preferred. She would write as soon as they were settled.

I was up at my usual early hour the next morning. I resolved to go out
towards Mrs. Ashleigh's house, and watch, unnoticed, where I might,
perhaps, catch a glimpse of Lilian as the carriage that would convey her
to the railway passed my hiding-place.

I was looking impatiently at the clock; it was yet two hours before the
train by which Mrs. Ashleigh proposed to leave. A loud ring at my bell!
I opened the door. Mrs. Ashleigh rushed in, falling on my breast.