He was a man of the most extraordinary powers of conversation, of surpassing wit, of all the faculties that interest and amuse.

He first administered to the patient a harmless potion, which he pledged himself would dispel the delusion.

His confident tone woke her own hopes,--he continued to excite her attention, to rouse her lethargy; he jested, he laughed away the time.

The hour struck.

"Joy, my brother!" she exclaimed, throwing herself in his arms; "the time is past!" And then, like one released from a spell, she suddenly assumed more than her ancient cheerfulness.