He took advantage of the cessation of hostilities to creep into the hovel and whisper words of assurance to his feebler dependents, of whom indeed Telie Doe now betrayed the greatest distress and agitation, while Edith, on the contrary, maintained, as he judged--for the fire was extinguished, and he saw not her countenance--a degree of tranquillity he had not dared to hope.

It was a tranquillity, however, resulting from despair and stupor,--a lethargy of spirit, resulting from overwrought feelings, in which she happily remained, more than half unconscious of what was passing around her..