"I am not long for this world." "Oh! don't say so, dear Blaize," sobbed Patience, letting fall a plentiful shower of tears on his face.

"Don't say so.

I can't bear to part with you." "Then don't survive me," returned Blaize.

"But there's little chance of your doing so.

You are certain to take the plague." "I care not what becomes of myself, if I lose you, Blaize," responded Patience, bedewing his countenance with another shower; "but I hope you won't die yet." "Ah! it's all over with me--all over," rejoined Blaize.