The shock had been terrible.
"What de matter wid my chile?
what ails you, honey ?" asked Aunt Chloe, coming to her side full of concern.
"I think one of my bad headaches is coming on, mammy.

But oh, tell me, is Mr.Travilla here ?--and papa! where is he ?" "Here daughter," his voice answered, close at hand, "and with a note for you from Mr.Travilla, who has not shown himself to-day." She took it eagerly, but with a hand that trembled as if with sudden palsy, while the eyes, usually so keen-sighted, saw only a blurred and confused jumble of letters in place of the clear, legible characters really there.
"I cannot see," she said, in a half-frightened tone, and pressing the other hand to her brow.
"And you are trembling like an aspen leaf," he said, bending over her in serious alarm.

"My child, when did this come on?
and what has caused it ?" "Papa, I cannot tell you now, or till to-morrow, at this hour; I will then.

But oh, papa dear, dear papa!" she cried, putting her arm about his neck and bursting into hysterical weeping, "promise me, if you love me promise me, that you will not leave the house till I have told you.

I am sick, I am suffering; you will stay by me?
you will not leave me ?" "My darling, I will do anything I can to relieve you, mentally or physically," he answered in tones of tenderest love and concern.