Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/22

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16
THE TWIN SISTERS.

on the pillows of her arm-chair. She was immediately carried to bed, and, for nearly four hours, lay in a state of almost insensibility. She recovered sufficiently to take some nourishment from the old Indian nurse who had attended her from her birth and who now watched her death-bed, as devotedly as she had done her cradle. In about a quarter of an hour, she fell into a deep sleep, while the faithful creature, hanging over her, almost counted every breath which her mistress drew. Thus passed the night away, and the nurse was about to resign her place, which she always did most reluctantly, when a change, passing over the face of the beloved sleeper, induced her to remain. Mrs. Dalton roused up suddenly, more than refreshed, quite animated, by her slumber. The rose burnt upon her cheek, and her large clear eyes filled with unusual light. The thin, emaciated hand alone denoted the long-suffering invalid.

"Ask Mr. Dalton to come here," said she.

Eda was surprised, for generally her mistress's