She did not look toward them, but after standing there a few seconds, moved from between the curtains and disappeared.
"Thank God for that!" exclaimed Clarence, passionately, "I knew--I knew I should see her.

_I knew it_," repeated he, exultingly; and then, overcome with joy, he bowed his head upon Charlie's shoulder and wept like a child.
"Don't think me foolish, Charlie," apologized he, "I cannot help it.

I will go home now.

Oh, brother, I feel so much happier." And with a step less faint and trembling, he walked back to the carriage.
The following evening he was at home, but so enfeebled with the exertions of the last two days, as to be obliged to take to his bed immediately after his arrival.

His sister greeted him affectionately, threw her arms about his neck and kissed him tenderly; years of coldness and estrangement were forgotten in that moment, and they were once more to each other as they were before they parted.
Emily tried to appear as though she did not notice the great change in his appearance, and talked cheerfully and encouragingly in his presence; but she wept bitterly, when alone, over the final separation which she foresaw was not far distant.
The nest day Doctor Burdett called, and his grave manner and apparent disinclination to encourage any hope, confirmed the hopeless impression they already entertained.
Aunt Ada came from Sudbury at Emily's request; she knew her presence would give pleasure to Clarence, she accordingly wrote her to come, and she and Emily nursed by turns the failing sufferer.
Esther and her husband, Mrs.Ellis and Caddy, and even Kinch, were unremitting in their attentions, and did all in their power to amuse and comfort him.