The dying woman raised her eyes, and beheld Mildred standing before her, wrapped in a loose robe, and supported by Emmeline and Rose Hartley.
Behind them was Chetwynd, who closed the door after him as he came in.
Mildred's countenance was exceedingly pale; but her eyes were bright, and her looks seemed almost angelic to the despairing Teresa, who crept humbly towards her.
“I do not deserve pardon,” said the penitent woman. “Yet for the sake of Him who died for us, and washed out our sins with His blood, I implore you to forgive me!”
“I do forgive you,” rejoined Mildred. “I have come hither for that purpose. May Heaven have mercy upon you!”
“Since your repentance is sincere, daughter,” said the chaplain, “may your sins be blotted out, and the guilt of your many offences be remitted.”
“Then farewell!” said Teresa, in a faint voice. “Farewell, Emmeline! farewell, Chetwynd! Think not of me with abhorrence; but, if you can, with pity!”
Without a word more, she sank backwards, and expired.
Chetwynd caught her before she fell, and placed her on a couch.
All those who had witnessed her death had departed, except Mr. Massey, who was still in the room when Lord Courland entered.
On beholding the body, he uttered a frenzied cry, and rushed towards it.
“I would have given five years of my own life to exchange a few words with her ere she breathed her last!” he exclaimed, in a voice of bitterest anguish and self-reproach.
“You loved her, then, deeply, my lord?” said Chetwynd.
“She was the only woman I ever loved,” replied Lord Courland. “Farewell, Teresa!”
Bending down and kissing her brow, he quitted the room with Chetwynd.
During the interval, the dark clouds that hung over Ouselcroft have dispersed, and the place has once more assumed a pleasant aspect.
Unhappy Teresa will never again trouble those connected with her.
Mildred, we rejoice to say, under the care of Doctor Spencer, has entirely recovered, and looks more beautiful than ever. She is at Brackley with Emmeline, who has quite regained her spirits and good looks, both of which had suffered from her recent anxiety. Rose Hartley is still with them.
Master of Ouselcroft, Chetwynd has already won the hearts of his dependents. He looks somewhat older and much graver, and Norris says he discerns a likeness to his father that he never perceived before.