my father ; they will 
mourn for me, nature will speak, though I go to  inexpres- 
sible, unutterable ! Ellen, speak to me ; will you not do this, 
my sister, my friend 1 

^ Giye me but a moment," she murmured almost inaudibly, 
as, oyerpowered by increasing , she sunk down on a 
grassy bank near them, and buried her face in her hands. 
Minutes rolled by, and still there was silence. Herbert sat 
down beside her, threw his arm around her, and pressed a 
brother's kiss upon her cold, damp brow. She started and 
would haye risen, but strength failed ; for a moment her head 
leaned against his bosom, and a burst of tears relieved her. 
'' Forgive me Herbert," she said, striving at once for compo- 
sure and voice. " Oh, weak as I am, do not repent your con- 
fidence. It was unexpected, sudden ; the idea of parting was 
sharper than at the first moment I could bear, but it will soon 
be over, very, very soon ; do not doubt me, Herbert." She 
fixed her mournful eyes upon his face, and her cheek was very 
pale. " Yes," she said, with returning strength, " trust me