When they entered his room, they found him in his bed, with the miniature of little Birdie in his hands.

When he observed the dark scowl on the face of Mr.Bates, and saw by whom he was accompanied, he knew his secret was discovered; he saw it written on their faces.

He trembled like a leaf, and his heart seemed like a lump of ice in his bosom.
Mr.Bates was about to speak, when Clarence held up his hand in the attitude of one endeavouring to ward off a blow, and whispered hoarsely-- "Don't tell me--not yet--a little longer! I see you know all.

I see my sentence written on your face! Let me dream a little longer ere you speak the words that must for ever part me and little Birdie.

I know you have come to separate us--but don't tell me yet; for when you do," said he, in an agonized tone, "it will kill me!" "I wish to God it would!" rejoined Mr.Bates.