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270
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

friend, though it was obvious she did not know her, exclaimed,—

"Ah! you look gentle, I will go with you; save me from these horrible men, who want to drag me to prison!"

But while speaking, her hands relaxed their passionate clinging; the wild black eyes closed heavily, and she sank fainting on the floor!

"It is a merciful insensibility," said the eldest physician; "but, if she revive, I fear the awakening—it will be terrible!"

"I will watch by her," cried Ethel; and, for many, many long and dreadful nights did she watch by her bed-side: even to herself she would not guess what might be the import of those frightful ravings!

Fearful were the lessons that the young and gentle Ethel learnt in the house of mourning. She saw Lord Marchmont borne away to his grave, unfollowed by a single regret, and forgotten as soon as the coffin was closed. The selfish man left behind him neither sorrow