But there was one who suffered more than Arthur,--he who now lay listless on his couch, burdened with a heavy weight of anguish and remorse. Ah, it was this that deepened the sting of sorrow, that heightened with its bitterness every remembrance that "he alone the deed had done," and that but for his obstinacy and worldliness, she might even now be standing beside him, bathing his burning brow with gentle hands, and in her own sweet tones be imparting all needful consolation.
But Mr. Denham could bear these thoughts no longer, and hastily rousing himself, he addressed Arthur.
"It is growing late. Will you be so kind as turn on the gas a little brighter, for it seems to burn but dimly. I am sure," he added, in the querulous tones of an invalid, "it is time Mrs. Denham had returned. She took advantage of your coming to remain with me to visit a sick neighbor, but she must be very ill, indeed, to cause her to remain so long."
"She will be here very shortly, I dare say," was Arthur's reply, as, in compliance with the old man's request, he closed the curtains on the scene without, and caused the magnificent gaseliers to emit a more dazzling light,--"and in the meanwhile, if you have no objection, I shall be happy to read to you."
The invalid signified his willingness, and Arthur, sitting down by him, opened the richly-gilt Bible that lay on the marble stand near at hand, but ere he could commence, there was the rattling of wheels up the carriage-road. The vehicle stopped at the hall-door, and the bell was loudly rung.
The old man listened for a moment, and then, turning to Arthur, said, "I cannot see any person to-night. Will you be kind enough to inform the servant, that Mrs. Denham is out, and that I feel too much indisposed to receive any visitors,--though it is a singular hour for visitors, I must confess."
Arthur, as he opened the drawing-room door, heard a strange confusion in the hall below, and quickly closing it on the invalid, stepped out to convey Mr. Denham's orders, and to ascertain the cause of this unusual disturbance.
As he descended the staircase, he was met by the servant, whose honest face was lit up with a strange expression of wonder, joy, and satisfaction.