That although greatly emaciated, and feeble as an infant, a decidedly healthy action had taken place, and the doctor expressed confident hopes of her recovery.
"May I not see her, Mrs.Turner ?" he asked, earnestly.
"Not yet, Mr.Martin, The doctor is positive in his directions to have her kept perfectly quiet." Martin had, of course, to acquiesce, but with great reluctance.

For five days more he continued to call in twice every day, and each time found her slightly improved.
"May I not see her now ?" he again asked, at the end of these additional days of anxious self-denial.
"If you will not talk to her," said Mrs.Turner.
Martin promised, and was shown up to her chamber.

His heart sickened as he approached the bed-side, and looked upon the thin, white, almost expressionless face, and sunken eye, of her who was now the ruler of his affections.

He took her hand, that returned a feeble, almost imperceptible pressure, but did not trust himself to utter her name.

She hardly seemed conscious of his presence, and he soon turned away, sad, very sad, yet full of hope for her recovery.
The healthy action continued, and in a week Mary could bear conversation.