overwhelmed.
A sort of sob came before the answer, 'Going fast.'
The steps moved on; Lionel could not stay where he was, dressed himself, and felt his way to the sick room. He heard the stifled breathings: he felt onward,--found he had hold of the bed-post, and leant against it, unheeded by all, so intently were all watching Caroline.
'Speak to her,' was the first thing he heard whispered by the doctor.
'Caroline!' said Walter's trembling voice, 'dear Caroline!'
Poor Lionel could not see how, at the call, the dark blue eyes once more opened, and looked up in Walter's face; he only heard the steadier tone in which the brother said the ministerial words, 'Peace be with this house!'
The solemn calmness of the tone came gently and soothingly upon Lionel's ear; and withal there spread over Caroline's face a gleam of joy, and then a quiet stillness, as of a freedom from suffering. There was an interval--a gasp--another interval--another gasp--a pause--
Marian's voice was the first, and very low and awe-struck. 'It has been without a struggle.'
A slight cry from his mother, and a confused movement, as if they were lifting something--steps--he stood still, and the next moment felt Marian's hand on his arm. 'Mrs. Lyddell has fainted,' said she, in explanation; 'Mr. Lyddell and Walter are taking her to her own room,'
Lionel clasped Marian's hand very tight, and each felt how the other was trembling. 'We must come away,' said Marian; then hesitating, and with a quivering whisper, she said, 'Would you like to kiss her?'
'Yes, let me!'
It was strange to guide the blind brother to kiss the white brow of the dead sister. Marian's throat was aching to such a degree with intense feeling, that she could hardly utter a word; but Lionel, who could not see, must hear. 'She looks so calm, so sweet,' said Marian struggling, 'but I must go to your mother. Let me take you to your room; I'll send Walter to you. Lionel, Lionel, indeed she is happy!' said Marian, earnestly, while Lionel burst into a flood of tears, wholesome tears, as she led him from the room.
She thought Walter would be the greatest comfort to him; and recollecting Mrs. Lyddell had no woman with her but her maid, she told Lionel she must go to his mother, ran down, and met Walter waiting in the dressing-room. 'Is she recovering?'
'A little.'
'Will you go to Lionel?'
'This instant, but--' and he looked at her earnestly.
'Yes, yes,' said she hastily, 'it is all right and beautiful. Here's her last letter; I've been reading it all day. Take it; you'll see how--'
Marian's voice broke down, and she hastened to the open door of Mrs. Lyddell's room. There was something for her to do in attempting to restore her, for the maid was not helpful; and Mr. Lyddell stood at the foot of the bed, as if all his powers were paralysed. Mr. Wells wanted assistance; for Mrs. Lyddell, exhausted by watching and her previous weakness, was in so sinking and depressed a state, as to need the greatest care.
Marian was employed in attending her till towards morning, when she sank into a sleep. 'You had better go to bed,' said Mr. Lyddell, very kindly, as Marian at length turned away from her, and stood by the fireside, where he was sitting in the arm-chair, his hands over his forehead 'I must not let you overwork yourself.'
'O, I am not tired, if I can be of any use.'
'No, no, rest now, thank you,' said he, in a broken, dejected tone.
