deserted, whilst she covered her face with her hands.
"Surely you do not wish to hide your face from one who has watched you so long, and with such deep interest as I have, Miss Helen?"
"My lord, I do not know how I have happened to be here, and to find myself alone, and to be told I have been sleeping. It is very strange, very shocking! but, indeed, I could not help it."
"No, you could not help fainting: a painful circumstance occurred at home, which was too much for you, and you dropped senseless in the library. Mrs. Palmer and I carried you here, and brought you to life, though not quite to your senses; and, most happily, you dropped asleep, and I took a book and watched you, at the bidding of our dear friend, whose housekeeper has come in repeatedly, to put a shawl over you, to light the fire, and so on. I have been a faithful guardian, my sweet Helen; you must not hide your face from me."
"But where is Mrs. Palmer, dear Lord Meersbrook, and what time is it? I fear mamma will be angry."
"No, she herself desired you might remain till after lunch-time, which is two. At one I am going
