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 have 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 composure and voice.

"Oh, weak as I am, do not repent your confidence.

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, dear Herbert, I will be to my aunt, my more than mother, ever as you wish.