"Cuthbert, is it--can it really be thou ?" "Petronella--sister! What happiness to see thee once more!" She clung to him almost sobbing in the excitement of pure happiness.

He could feel that she trembled in his arms, and he enfolded the slight frame ever closer and closer.
"Sweetest sister, fear not! Dost fear I could not protect thee from harm?
Believe me, thou hast a wondrous different brother now from the cowed and timorous lad who went forth from these doors but six short months back.

Fear not, my sister; look up, and let me see thy face.

I would learn how it has fared with thee since we parted that night on this very spot, though it now seems so long ago." Petronella heaved a long sigh, and her tremblings gradually ceased.
It seemed as though the brotherly clasp of those strong arms stilled her fears and brought comfort and soothing.

But as Cuthbert held her closely to him, it seemed to him almost as though he clasped a phantom form rather than one of solid flesh and blood.
There seemed nothing of the girl but skin and bone; and looking anxiously into the small oval face, he noted how wistful and hollow the great dark eyes had grown, and how pinched and worn every feature.