himself an unbeliever; but his dislike to hear religion ridiculed, his uneasiness when such topics were alluded to, all proved that he was not hardened in impiety, and that he might yet be reclaimed. So soon as it was ascertained that the unhappy Wilmot was no more, we all retired; and next day, while yet in my apartment, Fanshaw's servant came, to say his master wished to see me. I went to his room, and found him pale and languid. He evidently had not been in bed all night. 66 Willoughby," said he, "this is an awful event. Heaven grant it may make a salutary impression on us all. The bare recollection of it makes my blood run cold. I have never yet met with anything which has so unhinged me." Major Fanshaw," replied I, "I sincerely hope that the scene we witnessed last night may make a deep and lasting impression. It is indeed a fearful warning. It is horrible to think he has been snatched away at such a moment. Something certainly weighed heavily on his mind." "That," replied Fanshaw, " is entirely my opinion. He has never been himself since the flight of that unhappy young creature. The uncertainty he was in regarding her fate, rendered him irritable, and at times almost frantic." "I remained a considerable time with Fanshaw, and at length had the pleasure of seeing him become more composed. "A few weeks passed away, and the late shocking event appeared to be almost forgotten by all but Fanshaw, who shunned the company of the officers, and devoted himself to reading and solitary walks. "One evening Captain Riddel said, jestingly, "Colonel Wilmot is not a man of his word he has not come back, as he promised, to pay his respects to the Major; although, if one were to judge from the Major's devout look, one would suppose the interview had already taken place." "I replied to him coldly enough, for this I thought was a subject very unfit for jesting upon; and, as it was late, I retired to my room. Not feeling inclined to sleep, I took up a book, and read for a considerable time. By degrees all noise ceased. It was past midnight, and every one had retired to rest. I had just laid aside my book, with the intention of doing so also, when I was electrified by hearing a groan, or rather agonized cry, proceed from the apartment of Fanshaw. Believing that he was suddenly taken ill, I seized my light, and hurried to his room. The door was fastened; but exerting all my strength, I burst it open, and entering, found Fanshaw extended across his bed. Apparently he had been attempting to rise, and had fallen in the effort. He was perfectly insensible. Alarmed at his situation, I quickly summoned assistance, and in a few minutes the Doctor was at his bed-side; and on seeing him, instantly decided on opening a vein. We bared his arm for that purpose-our efforts seemed to rouse him to recollection-and darting from us with frantic gestures, and uttering the most agonizing exclamations, he resisted all our endeavours. A momentary glimpse of reason again seemed to come over him, and staring on me wildly, he exclaimed, "Don't leave me, Willoughby, I entreat you; Wilmot has been here, and wrung my hand at parting with a grasp of fire. He will return presently, and I dare not look upon him." "Beston and I gazed at each other. 66 My dear sir," said Beston, "we will discuss these matters some other time. It is necessary at present that you should lose a little blood. You will be better to-morrow, and we shall then investigate the cause of this attack." "Fanshaw smiled faintly, but without speaking; and Beston having bled him freely, proposed sitting up with him; but as he seemed to prefer my society alone, I sat down by his bed-side, and Beston soon after left us. Willoughby!" exclaimed Fanshaw, as soon as we were alone," he has been here!" "My dear friend," I replied, "you must not agitate yourself. I entreat you to refrain from speaking on this subject." "You are wrong, Willoughby," he answered, "it will rather relieve me to open my heart to you, from whom I fear neither scoffs nor ridicule. As sure as there is a Heaven above us, Wilmot was here this night, sent, I trust, in mercy. Pray with me, Willoughby, that our latter end may not resemble his !" "I did as he requested; and after the performance of this duty he became more composed. "Who was first in my room ?" he asked. "I told him that I was, and described the situation in which I found him. 66 "I recollect," he replied, "that after the terrible apparition was gone, I attempted to rise with the intention of rushing from the room; but overcome with horror, I lost my senses, and fell back on the bed." |